NASS Clerk: Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Case Beyond Our Office, Rests With Senate and Courts

The office of the clerk to the national assembly says it has no power to reinstate Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, insisting the decision rests with the senate or the courts.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the senate on March 6, 2025, for six months.

She went to court to challenge the action, but the federal high court did not overturn the suspension. The case is now before the court of appeal.

On September 4, the senator wrote to the clerk’s office declaring her intention to resume legislative duties.

But the request was passed to the senate leadership, which said she cannot return until there is either a new senate resolution or a final court judgment.

In a statement on Monday, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, director of information, said the clerk only provides administrative support to the senate and cannot interpret or reverse decisions.

“The clerk is therefore not in a position to facilitate her resumption at this time,” the statement read.

The office also said it received a petition from the senator’s lawyers, who accused the clerk of overreach and threatened legal action.

It maintained that all steps taken had been within the law and in line with due process.

The statement urged the public to allow the senate and the courts to resolve the matter.