The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamorudeen Ogunlana, has said his office has no authority to reinstate suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to legislative duties.

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

The statement followed media reports, public commentary, and a petition from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers, M. J. Numa & Partners LLP, regarding her suspension and attempt to resume duties.

Bi-Allah explained that the clerk’s office functions solely as an administrative arm, supporting the Senate in line with its resolutions, standing orders, and the 1999 Constitution.

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

Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended for six months on 6 March for “gross misconduct.” The decision was challenged in court, but the Federal High Court did not nullify it, and no binding order has since been issued to overturn the Senate’s resolution.

On 4 September, she notified the clerk’s office of her intention to resume legislative work. While the correspondence was forwarded to the Senate leadership, it noted that the case remains pending before the Court of Appeal.

Bi-Allah said the clerk’s office was surprised by a letter from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers accusing the clerk of overreach and threatening legal and disciplinary action.

He stressed that the clerk has always acted within lawful limits, observing due process, and reaffirmed that only the Senate can decide whether the senator may resume duties.

“The determination of whether Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan can resume her legislative duties following the expiration of her six-month suspension lies solely with the Senate and not with the Office of the Clerk,” the statement said.

Bi-Allah added that the Senate leadership maintained that any change to her suspension must be supported either by a fresh resolution or a clear court order. He urged the public to remain patient and allow both the Senate and the courts to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.