The Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly has clarified its role in the ongoing controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating that only the Senate has the authority to reinstate the suspended lawmaker.
The Clerk, in a statement on Monday in Abuja through the Director of Information, Mr. Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, emphasised that the office operates strictly as an administrative body without the power to reverse, interpret, or modify decisions made by the Senate.
“The Clerk does not possess the authority to review, reverse, or interpret Senate decisions,” the statement read.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate on March 6, 2025, for a period of six months. Although the matter was challenged in court, the Federal High Court did not issue any binding order nullifying the suspension or compelling her reinstatement.
On September 4, 2025, the Senator formally notified the Clerk’s office of her intention to resume legislative duties.
However, the office noted that such correspondence was typically addressed to the Senate President.
The Clerk forwarded the letter to the Senate leadership, which responded that her case was pending before the Court of Appeal and therefore sub judice.
“Any change in status must come either from a new Senate resolution or a definitive court order,” the Clerk’s office stated, adding that it was not in a position to facilitate her return at this time.
In response, the Senator’s legal team, M.J. Numa & Partners LLP, accused the Clerk’s office of administrative overreach and threatened legal and disciplinary action.
However, the Clerk maintained that all actions taken have been within lawful administrative boundaries and aligned with due process.
“The determination of whether Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan can resume her legislative duties after the expiration of her six-month suspension lies solely with the Senate, not with the Office of the Clerk,” the statement read.
The Clerk’s office reaffirmed its commitment to upholding constitutional provisions, institutional integrity, and the rule of law.
