The Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly has clarified that it does not have the authority to facilitate the return of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.

This clarification was issued through a statement from Bulah Audu Bi-Allah, the Director of Information, on Monday.

The statement pointed out that recent media reports and public comments have inaccurately portrayed the office's role in the ongoing dispute.

It emphasised that the Clerk’s responsibilities are purely administrative, dictated by Senate resolutions, Standing Orders, and the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended).

The Clerk does not have the power to review, overturn, or interpret Senate decisions, the statement asserted. This comes after Senator Natasha attempted to resume her duties on September 4, 2025, following a six-month suspension imposed by the Senate on March 6, 2025. The office also stated that it 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.

ASA