By Safiyat Muhammed, The Bureau News
The Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly (NASS) has distanced itself from reports suggesting it has the authority to decide whether suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, can resume her legislative duties.
In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, Mullah Bi-Allah, Director of Information for the Clerk’s office, clarified that the office merely performs administrative functions and cannot review or overturn Senate resolutions.
“The Clerk does not possess the authority to review, reverse or interpret Senate decisions,” the statement read.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was suspended by the Senate on March 6, 2025, for six months. She challenged the decision in court, but while the Federal High Court declined to invalidate the suspension, the matter remains pending before the Court of Appeal.
On September 4, the senator wrote to the Clerk of the National Assembly indicating her intention to resume legislative duties. However, the Clerk stressed that such communication should be formally directed to the Senate President, in line with parliamentary protocol.
The Clerk’s office explained:
“This office conveyed the same to the Senate leadership, who noted that the matter remains before the Court of Appeal (sub judice), and that any change in status must either come from a fresh Senate resolution or a definitive court order.”
It added that its role was limited to transmitting the Senate leadership’s position and not facilitating Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resumption.
The Clerk’s office also expressed concern over a petition from M. J. Numa & Partners LLP, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, which accused it of overreach and threatened disciplinary action.
Responding, Bi-Allah said:
“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 following the expiration of her six months suspension, lies solely with the Senate and not with the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly.”
Reaffirming its neutrality, the office maintained that it remains guided by constitutionalism, institutional respect, and the rule of law, urging Nigerians to allow both the Senate and the courts to resolve the matter.
