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By Tracy Moses
The National Assembly has cleared the air over its involvement in the controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her recent bid to return to the Senate.
In a statement released on Monday by Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, Director of Information in the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly, the institution stressed that its function in the matter is strictly administrative.
It emphasized that the Clerk has neither constitutional powers nor authority to overturn, interpret, or review decisions of the Senate. Instead, the Clerk’s duty, it added, is confined to enforcing resolutions of the Upper Chamber in line with the Senate Standing Orders and the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Recall that on March 6, 2025, the Senate suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, for six months over alleged misconduct on the floor of the chamber. Unhappy with the sanction, the Senator proceeded to court, but the Federal High Court did not set aside the suspension nor order her reinstatement.
The matter resurfaced on September 4, 2025, when the lawmaker wrote to the Office of the Clerk, stating her intention to resume plenary activities following the lapse of the suspension period. Acting in line with established practice, the Clerk forwarded her correspondence to the Senate leadership.
However, Senate leaders insisted that since the case remains before the Court of Appeal, her return to plenary would require either a fresh resolution by the Senate or a definitive judgment from the appellate court.
The Clerk’s office explained that its communication to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan merely echoed the Senate’s stance and should not be interpreted as an overstep of its duties.
Her legal representatives, M.J. Numa & Partners LLP, subsequently wrote back accusing the Clerk of going beyond his administrative mandate and threatened legal as well as disciplinary measures. The Clerk dismissed these claims, maintaining that the office has acted strictly within legal boundaries and established procedure.
“The decision on when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan may resume her legislative functions without a new resolution of the Senate lies solely with the Senate, not the Clerk,” the statement underlined.
Reaffirming its adherence to due process and constitutional order, the Clerk’s office urged the public to remain patient and allow both the Senate and the judiciary to perform their constitutional duties without undue interference.