Clerk Disowns Role in Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension Row

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By Nelson Ogbu 

The Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly has distanced itself from the controversy over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her attempt to resume duties.

The Clerk clarified that his office has no powers to review or reverse Senate resolutions, insisting it only acts in an administrative capacity.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, suspended for six months in March 2025, had written to the Clerk on September 4 notifying her intention to return. The Clerk said the request was forwarded to Senate leadership, which maintained that the matter remains sub judice at the Court of Appeal, and any change must come through a fresh Senate resolution or court order.

Her lawyers, M. J. Numa & Partners, accused the Clerk of overreach and threatened legal action, but the Clerk maintained that due process was followed.

“The decision on whether she resumes lies with the Senate, not the Clerk,” the statement stressed, urging the public to allow the Senate and courts to handle the matter.