“The Only People That Can Decide Natasha’s Fate,” National Assembly Clerk Opens Up
- The Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly has reacted to the case of suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
- The Director of Information, Mullah Bi-Allah, said the National Assembly clerk does not have the power to determine Natasha's fate
- Bi-Allah mentioned the only set of people who have the power and authority to decide the fate of the suspended senator
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
FCT, Abuja - The Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly said only the Nigerian Senate can decide the fate of suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Legit.ng recalls that the Nigerian Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan on March 6, 2025, following a resolution that barred her from parliamentary activities for six months.
Source: Twitter
The National Assembly clerk said it is only the senate that can determine if Akpoti-Uduaghan can resume legislative duties.
The Director of Information, Mullah Bi-Allah, distanced the NA clerk from reports suggesting it has the power to determine Akpoti-Uduaghan’s fate.
Mullah Bi-Allah clarified that the Clerk’s office merely functions as an administrative arm of the legislature and cannot review or overturn resolutions of the Senate.
As reported by The Punch, Mullah Bi-Allah made this known in a statement issued on Monday, September 15, 2025, in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the Clerk’s office, Mullah Bi-Allah said:
“The Clerk does not possess the authority to review, reverse or interpret Senate decisions.”
He further stated that:
“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 months suspension lies solely with the Senate and not with the office of the Clerk to the National Assembly.”
Court gives verdict on Senate's suspension of Natasha
Recall that the Senate was ordered to immediately recall suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, from her six-month suspension.
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja held that the six-month suspension was excessive on the part of the Senate.
According to the ruling, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has the right to sanction any member who errs, but the sanction must not be excessive to the extent of denying constituents the right to be represented.
Read more stories on Natasha:
- Natasha Saga: NLC President Under Fire over Comment on Kogi Senator’s Suspension
- Natasha Gives Senate Ultimatum to Facilitate Her Resumption or Face Legal Action
- PDP Speaks Out as Senate Tells Natasha She Cannot Resume Yet Amid Rift With Akpabio
NLC accuses Akpabio of persecuting Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan
In a previous story, Legit.ng reported that Senate President Godswill Akpabio was accused by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) of spearheading the political persecution of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The senator was barred from resuming duties despite notifying the National Assembly of the end of her suspension, prompting widespread condemnation.
Labour leaders and legal counsel warned that the move threatens democratic representation and signals a troubling shift in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Source: Legit.ng
