Fresh tensions within the Senate ahead of lawmakers’ return to plenary on Tuesday, as controversy continues to trail the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The issue resurfaced following comments made by Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole regarding the report that led to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension. Although Oshiomhole later clarified his remarks, discussions within the Senate have continued, with indications that lawmakers may formally examine the matter when they reconvene.
Sources within the National Assembly revealed that the controversy is expected to attract attention during the emergency session called by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Some senators are reportedly concerned about the public debate generated by the allegations and want the chamber to determine its position on the issue.
The Senate leadership has not officially confirmed whether the matter is listed on the agenda. However, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu indicated that the upper chamber would review statements connected to the controversy and decide on the appropriate response. He maintained that Senate proceedings are conducted openly and that decisions are reached after deliberations by lawmakers.
The dispute began after Oshiomhole spoke during a television interview and suggested that the names or signatures of certain senators appeared on the committee report that recommended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension even though some lawmakers allegedly questioned their inclusion. The remarks sparked public debate and raised questions about the process that produced the report.
Days later, the former Edo State governor issued a clarification, stating that he never accused the Senate or any senator of forging signatures. He explained that his comments were misunderstood and insisted that no senator had informed him that a signature was falsified. According to him, his reference was only to concerns allegedly raised by a committee member regarding attendance records attached to the report.
Oshiomhole also stated that the issue surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension had already been concluded and expressed regret over any misunderstanding his comments may have created for the Senate and its members.
The controversy gained fresh attention after Senator Ireti Kingibe of the Federal Capital Territory disclosed that she never saw the committee report that formed the basis of the suspension. Kingibe explained that she was attending a retreat on tax reforms at the time the report was being considered and therefore did not have the opportunity to review it.
According to her account, she attended part of a committee session, signed the attendance register, and later left for the retreat. She also revealed that she complained to some colleagues about not having access to the report and said she had still not seen the document.
Her comments have added another layer to the debate, as they suggest that some lawmakers linked to the committee proceedings may not have reviewed the final report before it was adopted.
The suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan remains one of the most debated actions of the 10th Senate. The Kogi Central lawmaker was suspended in March 2025 after the Senate adopted a report by its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which found her guilty of misconduct and violations of Senate rules.
The disciplinary action followed a public disagreement between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio. While the senator alleged unfair treatment and other misconduct against the Senate President, the Senate maintained that its decision was based solely on her conduct and not on any accusations she made.
As part of the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan lost access to her salaries, allowances, office and legislative activities for six months.
The matter recently returned to public discussion after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the episode as one of the most difficult moments experienced by the current Senate.
With lawmakers preparing to resume sitting, attention is now focused on whether the chamber will launch a formal review of the allegations and how it intends to address the growing controversy.