NASS Clerk Dissociate Self from Senator Natasha’s Suspension Tussle

The Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly has distanced itself from the controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, insisting that only the Senate or a definitive court order can pave the way for her return to plenary.

Security was beefed up within and around the National Assembly on Monday following information from the suspended Senator that she will resumed her official duties today.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday and signed by the Director of Information, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, the Clerk’s office said it had become necessary to correct widespread media reports and public commentary over the lawmaker’s bid to resume legislative duties after serving a six-month suspension.

According to the release, the Clerk functions purely as an administrative arm of the National Assembly and does not possess the authority to review, reverse or interpret Senate decisions.

The office recalled that the Senate, on March 6, 2025, passed a resolution suspending Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, a decision later challenged in court but not voided by the Federal High Court.

The statement explained that when the Kogi Central senator wrote on September 4 announcing her intention to return to the chamber, the Clerk merely conveyed the notice to Senate leadership, which pointed out that the case is still before the Court of Appeal and therefore sub judice.

It added that any change in status must either come from a fresh Senate resolution or a definitive court order.

Reacting to a letter from the senator’s lawyers accusing the office of overreach and threatening legal action, the Clerk maintained it had at all times acted within lawful administrative limits and in faithful observance of due process.

It emphasized that the decision on whether Akpoti-Uduaghan will resume lies solely with the Senate and not with the office of the Clerk to the National Assembly.