The Senate has dismissed claims by Senator Adams Oshiomhole that some lawmakers’ signatures were forged or improperly included in the report that recommended the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Speaking on the controversy, Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu said the disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan was carried out in line with Senate procedures. According to him, the matter was debated publicly during plenary before it was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions for further consideration.
He explained that after reviewing the case, the committee submitted its report to the Senate. The chamber then considered the report and reached its decision based on the committee’s findings. He also noted that the proceedings were conducted openly and were witnessed by lawmakers, journalists and members of the public.
Adaramodu said the issue of forged or missing signatures was never raised during the consideration of the report. He maintained that if any senator believed there had been wrongdoing involving his or her signature, the affected lawmaker would have brought the matter before the Senate.
The spokesman questioned why the allegation was being raised long after the issue had been concluded, describing it as an attempt to revive a matter that had already been settled. He added that he did not believe any senator would accuse the Senate leadership of manipulating signatures in order to influence a decision of the chamber.
The reaction followed comments made by Adams Oshiomhole during a television interview on Monday. The Edo North senator alleged that the signatures of at least three senators were either forged or attached to the committee report without their approval. He claimed that some lawmakers whose names appeared on the document privately told him they neither signed nor supported the recommendations contained in it.
Oshiomhole specifically mentioned Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory, as one of the lawmakers who reportedly questioned the report.
His allegation has renewed public discussion about the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was sanctioned by the Senate in March 2025 after findings of alleged misconduct and disorderly behaviour.
The suspension came after the report of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions was adopted by the chamber. At the time, the action followed a public disagreement between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she had accused of victimisation and other misconduct.
The Senate, however, maintained that its decision was based solely on alleged violations of Senate rules and not on the allegations she made against the Senate President.
As part of the punishment, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months. Her salaries and allowances were withdrawn, her National Assembly office was shut, and she was barred from entering legislative premises throughout the suspension period.
The issue recently returned to public attention after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele reportedly described the suspension as one of the most regrettable episodes of the 10th Senate. Oshiomhole’s latest claims have now added a fresh dimension to the debate, raising new questions about the process that produced the committee report and the eventual suspension of the Kogi lawmaker.
CLICK THE LINK TO READ FULL LIST
- Advertisement -
Comments are closed.