N’Assembly Clerk Distances Office from Power Struggle Over Suspended Senator Natasha

The Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly has clarified that it lacks the authority to reinstate suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stressing that only the Senate or a court ruling can decide her return to legislative duties.

The Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly has dissociated itself from claims suggesting it has the authority to decide if suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, can resume legislative duties.

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In a statement on Monday in Abuja, the Director of Information, Mullah Bi-Allah, clarified that the Clerk’s office serves only as an administrative arm of the legislature and cannot overturn Senate resolutions.

“The Clerk does not possess the authority to review, reverse or interpret Senate decisions,” the statement read.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, a first-term senator elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was suspended by the Senate on March 6, 2025, for six months. Although she challenged the decision in court, the Federal High Court upheld the Senate’s action, with the case still pending at the Court of Appeal.

On September 4, the lawmaker wrote to the Clerk, notifying the office of her intention to resume. However, the Clerk explained that such communication should be addressed to the Senate President, adding that the matter remains sub judice.

“Any change in status must either come from a fresh Senate resolution or a definitive court order,” the statement further stressed.

The Clerk’s office also expressed concern over a petition from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers, M. J. Numa & Partners LLP, accusing it of overreach. Responding, Bi-Allah reaffirmed that the decision lies solely with the Senate.

“The determination of whether Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan can resume her legislative duties as of right without any further or fresh resolution of the Senate… lies solely with the Senate and not with the office of the Clerk to the National Assembly,” he said.

The statement emphasized the Clerk’s neutrality, pledging adherence to constitutional principles, institutional respect, and the rule of law, while urging the public to allow both the Senate and the courts to resolve the matter.