The office of the clerk to the national assembly has clarified that it has no authority to permit Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, to return to her legislative duties.
In a statement issued on Monday, Bullah Bi-Allah, director of information at the office of the clerk, said the secretariat’s attention had been drawn to media reports, public reactions on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, her attempt to resume work, and a petition submitted by her lawyers, M. J. Numa & Partners LLP.
Bi-Allah explained that the clerk’s office functions purely as an administrative body, providing support to the senate in accordance with its resolutions, standing orders, and the 1999 Constitution.
He stressed that the clerk has no mandate to review, overturn, or interpret decisions made by the senate.
On March 6, the senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for “gross misconduct”.
Bi-Allah noted that though the decision was challenged in court, the federal high court did not nullify the suspension, and no binding order has been issued to set aside or alter the resolution.
On September 4, Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote to the clerk’s office indicating her intention to resume legislative activities.
Bi-Allah pointed out that although the letter could have been addressed directly to the senate president, it was passed on to the red chamber’s leadership, which noted that the matter is still pending at the court of appeal.
According to him, the senate leadership insisted that any reversal of her suspension must be supported either by a fresh resolution or a clear court order.
“This communication was what the clerk to the national assembly conveyed in the letter, no more, no less,” the statement reads.
“The clerk is therefore not in a position to facilitate her resumption at this time.”
He further stated that the clerk’s office expressed concern over a letter from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers, which accused the clerk of exceeding his authority and threatened legal and disciplinary action.
Bi-Allah emphasized that the clerk has consistently acted within the bounds of the law and due process, reiterating that only the senate has the authority to decide whether Akpoti-Uduaghan can return to her legislative role after the suspension.
He added that the clerk remains committed to upholding constitutionalism, institutional integrity, and the rule of law, and urged the public to allow both the senate and the courts to handle the matter appropriately.