The Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Abuja, on Monday, clarified its role following widespread media reports on the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, her attempt to resume legislative duties, and the correspondence from her legal representatives, M. J. Numa & Partners LLP.
The Clerk explained that the office functions strictly as an administrative arm of the legislature and has no authority to review, reverse, or interpret resolutions of the Senate.
On March 6, 2025, the Senate suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. Although the matter was challenged in court, the Federal High Court did not nullify the suspension, and no binding order has been issued to alter the Senate’s resolution.
On September 4, 2025, the senator informed the Clerk’s office of her intention to resume. In line with protocol, the Clerk relayed this to the Senate leadership, which noted that the case is still pending before the Court of Appeal. As such, any change in her status must come through either a fresh Senate resolution or a definitive court ruling.
Responding to allegations by the senator’s legal representatives accusing the office of overreach, the Clerk reaffirmed that it has acted strictly within lawful administrative limits and in observance of due process.
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The statement stressed that the authority to determine if and when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan may resume duties lies exclusively with the Senate, not with the Clerk.
The Office of the Clerk reaffirmed its commitment to constitutionalism, institutional respect, and the rule of law, urging the public to remain patient and allow the Senate and the courts to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
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