Only Senate, court can decide Natasha’s resumption – Clerk

The Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly has said it lacks the authority to facilitate the resumption of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Information in the office, Bulah Audu Bi-Allah, on Monday.

According to the statement, recent media reports and public commentary had misrepresented its role in the ongoing dispute.

It explained that the Clerk’s function is purely administrative, bound by Senate resolutions, Standing Orders, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“The Clerk does not possess the authority to review, reverse or interpret Senate decisions,” the statement read.

This development follows Senator Natasha’s attempt to resume duties on September 4, 2025, after her six-month suspension by the Senate on March 6, 2025.

The statement added that the Clerk’s Office duly informed Senate leadership of her communication.

“The Clerk is therefore not in a position to facilitate her resumption at this time. Only the Senate or a court can decide Senator Natasha’s resumption.

“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 statement affirmed.

Only Senate, court can decide Natasha’s resumption – Clerk