By Ismaeel Aleem
The Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly has refuted claims that it has the authority to determine whether suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan can resume her legislative duties.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, Director of Information Mullah Bi-Allah, speaking for the Clerk’s office, clarified that it serves solely as an administrative arm and lacks the power to review or overturn Senate resolutions.
“The Clerk does not possess the authority to review, reverse or interpret Senate decisions,” Bi-Allah stated, addressing reports suggesting otherwise.
Natasha, a first-term Peoples Democratic Party lawmaker, was suspended by the Senate on 6 March 2025 for six months.
Although she challenged the suspension in court, the Federal High Court upheld the Senate’s decision, and the matter remains pending at the Court of Appeal.
On 4 September, Natasha notified the Clerk of her intent to resume duties.
‘Clerk office not in position to facilitate Natasha’s resumption for now’
The Clerk’s office, however, noted that such communication should be directed to the Senate President per parliamentary protocol.
The statement explained that the Senate leadership considers the matter sub judice, pending a Court of Appeal ruling or a new Senate resolution.
“The Clerk is not in a position to facilitate her resumption at this time,” Bi-Allah added.
The office expressed dismay over a petition from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, M. J. Numa & Partners LLP, accusing it of overreach and threatening disciplinary action.
Bi-Allah reiterated that only the Senate or a definitive court order can determine the senator’s status, not the Clerk’s office. He stressed the office’s commitment to constitutionalism, institutional respect, and the rule of law.
