By Mercy Gadia Adi
The Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly has distanced itself from the controversy over Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, saying only the Senate or the courts can determine her resumption.
In a statement on Monday, the Clerk explained that the office functions purely as an administrative arm of the legislature and lacks authority to review, reverse or interpret Senate resolutions.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended for six months by the Senate on March 6, 2025. Though she challenged the action in court, the Federal High Court did not overturn the decision and no order has been issued to lift the suspension.
The Clerk’s office disclosed that, on September 4, the senator notified the Clerk’s office of her intention to resume legislative duties. The office said the communication was duly relayed to Senate leadership, which noted that the case remains before the Court of Appeal. Leadership further held that any change in her status would require either a fresh Senate resolution or a binding court order.
“The Clerk is therefore not in a position to facilitate her resumption at this time,” the statement said.
The Clerk’s office added that it had received a letter from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal representatives, M.J. Numa & Partners LLP, accusing it of overreach and threatening legal action. It maintained, however, that it had acted strictly within administrative limits and due process.
The statement emphasized that the decision on whether the senator can resume duties lies solely with the Senate. It urged the public to remain patient and allow the appropriate institutions, including the courts, to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.