…NASS clerk unauthorised to review, reverse or interpret Senate decisions

From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

The Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly has clarified that it lacks powers to alter or interpret resolutions of the Senate, stressing that only the Red Chamber or the courts can determine the status of suspended Kogi lawmaker, Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In a statement by the Director of Information, Bulus Audu Bi-Allah, on behalf of the Clerk, the office explained that its mandate is strictly administrative, carried out “in accordance with the resolutions of the Senate, its Standing Orders and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

The statement yesterday added: “The Clerk does not possess the authority to review, reverse or interpret Senate’s decisions.”

This followed widespread media reports over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and the rejection of her notification to resume legislative functions after the six months period elapsed by the Clerk of the National Assembly. The Kogi lawmaker was suspended on March 6, 2025, for six months, but despite a legal challenge, the Clerk’s office noted that the Senate’s decision has not been overturned.

“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,” it stated.

Reaffirming that the power to resolve the matter is beyond its jurisdiction, the Clerk 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 months suspension lies solely with the Senate and not with the office of the Clerk of the National Assembly.”

The Clerk explained that Akpoti-Uduaghan, on September 4, 2025, wrote to his office notifying of her intention to resume legislative duties. But rather than act unilaterally, the matter was referred to the Senate leadership.

“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 statement read.

Going further, it also rejected accusations from her legal representatives, M.J. Numa & Partners LLP, that the Clerk had overreached its authority. “To our dismay, the Office of the Clerk received a letter, accusing it 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 further called on the public to remain calm while due process runs its course. “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,” it concluded.