The Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly (NASS) has clarified its role in the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her recent attempt to resume legislative duties, stressing that the Clerk lacks the authority to reverse or interpret Senate resolutions.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Information, Mallam Bulus Audu Bi-Allah, for the Clerk, the office described as “misleading” reports suggesting it could facilitate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resumption after her six-month suspension.
“The Clerk’s Office serves strictly as an administrative arm, providing support to the Senate in accordance with their resolutions, Standing Orders and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended). The Clerk does not possess the authority to review, reverse or interpret Senate decisions,” the statement read.
The Senate had on March 6, 2025, suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. While she challenged the decision in court, the Clerk’s office noted that “the Federal High Court did not invalidate the Senate’s resolution, and no binding order has been issued to reverse or modify the suspension.”
According to the release, on September 4, 2025, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote to the Clerk’s office, indicating her intention to resume duties. The Clerk, however, conveyed the request to the Senate leadership, which maintained that the matter remains sub judice at the Court of Appeal.
“The matter remains before the Court of Appeal (sub judice), and any change in status must either come from a fresh Senate resolution or a definitive court order. This communication was what the Clerk to the National Assembly conveyed in the letter, no more, no less,” the statement clarified.
The Clerk’s office expressed dismay at a subsequent letter from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal representatives, M. J. Numa & Partners LLP, accusing the Clerk of overreach and threatening legal action.
“While the office respects the right of all parties to seek legal redress, it must be stressed that the Clerk has at all times acted within lawful administrative limits, and in faithful observance of due process,” it stated.
The office emphasized that the decision on whether Akpoti-Uduaghan can resume duties lies entirely with the Senate.
“It must be emphasized that 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,” the statement read.
Reiterating its commitment to due process, the Clerk’s office assured that it remains guided by “the principles of constitutionalism, institutional respect and the rule of law,” urging the public to allow the Senate and the courts to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
© 2025, Standard Focus. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from STANDARD FOCUS.