NASS clerk gives update on Natasha’s return

The Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA) has stated that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan can only resume her legislative duties after her six-month suspension if the Senate passes a fresh resolution or if an express court order is issued.

In a statement released by the Director of Information, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, the CNA dismissed threats of legal or disciplinary action from the senator’s counsel, describing them as misplaced. According to the clarification, the Clerk’s office does not possess the authority to alter or overturn Senate resolutions.

The statement emphasized that the CNA’s role is strictly administrative, ensuring lawmakers receive the necessary guidance while upholding constitutional provisions, institutional respect, and the rule of law. It further noted that the Clerk has no powers to review, reverse, or interpret the decisions of the Senate.

The Senate had, on March 6, 2025, passed a resolution suspending Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months.

“Though the matter was challenged in Court, the Federal High Court did not invalidate the Senate’s resolution, and no binding order has been issued to reverse or modify the suspension.

“On 4 September 2025, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan communicated her intention to resume legislative functions to the office of the Clerk to the National Assembly, though she has the option of writing to the Senate President, which is in line with the established protocol.

“In response, this office conveyed the same to the Senate leadership, who noted that the matter remains before the Court of Appeal (subjudice), and that 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 Clerk is therefore not in a position to facilitate her resumption at this time.

“To our dismay, the Office of the Clerk received a letter from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal representatives (M. J. Numa & Partners, L.I.P.), accusing this office of overreach and threatening legal and disciplinary 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 must be emphasised 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-month suspension lies solely with the Senate and not with the office of the Clerk to the National Assembly.

“The Office of the Clerk remains guided by the principles of constitutionalism, institutional respect, and the rule of law. The public is urged to remain patient and allow the appropriate institutions including the Senate and the courts to discharge their constitutional responsibilities”.

(Nation)