By Amah
Kindly share:
The Nigerian Senate has summoned an emergency plenary session amid mounting controversy over the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following explosive remarks by Senator Adams Oshiomhole that have reignited debate about transparency and due process within the Red Chamber.
The extraordinary session, convened by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, is expected to address growing concerns surrounding the circumstances that led to Natasha’s six-month suspension and allegations that have cast a shadow over the credibility of the Senate’s disciplinary process.
The latest controversy erupted after Oshiomhole, a former Edo State governor and serving senator, suggested during a television interview that some senators may not have fully authorised the committee report that recommended Natasha’s suspension.
Although Oshiomhole later clarified that he never accused anyone of forging signatures, his comments triggered widespread reactions both within and outside the National Assembly, with many lawmakers reportedly demanding an official response from Senate leadership.
Sources within the National Assembly revealed that Tuesday’s emergency plenary could provide lawmakers with an opportunity to openly debate the matter and determine whether any further action is necessary to safeguard the institution’s reputation.
A senior parliamentary source disclosed that Senate leaders are concerned about the growing public perception that procedural irregularities may have occurred during the disciplinary process.
The Senate’s spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, has already dismissed claims suggesting impropriety in the adoption of the report that led to Natasha’s suspension.
According to Adaramodu, Senate resolutions are reached through transparent deliberations conducted during plenary sessions and not through secret arrangements.
He emphasised that no senator has officially reported any instance of signature forgery or unauthorised endorsement of committee findings.
“The Senate remains committed to transparency, accountability, and due process in all its proceedings,” Adaramodu maintained while responding to concerns generated by the controversy.
Facing intense scrutiny, Oshiomhole has sought to calm tensions by publicly explaining his earlier remarks.
The former Nigeria Labour Congress president insisted that his statements had been misunderstood and misrepresented.
According to him, he merely referenced concerns allegedly raised by another senator, regarding attendance records associated with the committee proceedings and never accused the Senate leadership or any lawmaker of forgery.
“The insinuation that I said signatures of senators were forged is a complete misrepresentation of what I actually said,” Oshiomhole stated.
He further noted that the Natasha suspension matter had already been concluded and expressed regret over any embarrassment his comments may have caused the Senate.
The controversy took another dramatic turn when Senator Ireti Kingibe disclosed that she never had access to the committee report that formed the basis for Natasha’s suspension.
Speaking during a television interview, Kingibe explained that she attended part of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions proceedings, signed the attendance register, and subsequently left for a tax reform retreat.
According to her, she was not present when the report was finalised and later complained to colleagues, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, about not being given an opportunity to review the document.
Her disclosure has fueled fresh questions about whether all committee members had adequate access to the report before it was adopted by the Senate.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 after the Senate adopted the recommendation of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which found her guilty of alleged gross misconduct and unruly conduct.
The suspension came after a highly publicised confrontation between Natasha and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a dispute that attracted nationwide attention and sharply divided public opinion.
While Natasha accused Akpabio of victimisation and abuse of office, Senate leadership maintained that the disciplinary action was based strictly on violations of parliamentary rules and procedures.
As part of the sanctions imposed, Natasha’s salaries and allowances were suspended, her office was sealed, and she was barred from entering the National Assembly complex for six months.
With lawmakers set to reconvene for the emergency plenary, political observers say the outcome could significantly influence public confidence in the National Assembly and determine whether lingering questions surrounding Natasha’s suspension are finally put to rest.
