Natasha suspension probe gains momentum as senators prepare to examine claims surrounding the report that led to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension

The Nigerian Senate, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, is expected to confront fresh controversy when lawmakers reconvene on Tuesday amid growing calls for a formal review of allegations raised by Senator Adams Oshiomhole concerning the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

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The anticipated Natasha Suspension Probe follows claims by Oshiomhole that attendance signatures of some senators may have been attached to the committee report that recommended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension, a remark that sparked intense debate within the upper chamber before the former Edo State governor later clarified his position.

Multiple National Assembly sources indicated that the issue could feature prominently during an emergency plenary session convened by Akpabio, although Senate leadership has yet to officially confirm the matter as part of the agenda.

According to lawmakers familiar with ongoing discussions, several senior senators remain dissatisfied with the controversy generated by Oshiomhole’s comments and are pushing for the Senate to formally address the issue to protect the institution’s credibility.

One source suggested that the emergency session could provide senators with an opportunity to determine whether further action is necessary.

“That explains why Akpabio called off the recess and summoned an emergency session under the guise of attending to the issue of rising insecurity across the country,” the source said.

Speaking on the matter, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu stressed that the Senate would review Oshiomhole’s remarks and take an official position where necessary.

“We are going to review any statements made by him. The Senate will take a cursory look at either extraneous, spontaneous or intentional comments from any senator appropriately,” Adaramodu said.

He firmly rejected suggestions that signatures were forged during proceedings relating to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.

“No Senator, at any time, either in Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension or any other matter, has the Senate forged the signature or misrepresented any senator,” he stated.

Adaramodu further described such allegations as “spurious, bewildering and unthinkable,” emphasising that Senate decisions are reached through open deliberations conducted in full public view.

The controversy intensified after Oshiomhole appeared on a television programme and suggested that some senators whose names appeared on the committee report had privately expressed concerns about its contents.

However, in a subsequent statement, Oshiomhole clarified that he never accused the Senate or any lawmaker of forging signatures.

“The insinuation that I said signatures of senators were forged is a complete misrepresentation of what I actually said,” Oshiomhole said.

“I agree absolutely with the spokesperson of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Yemi Adaramodu, that no signature of senators was forged in Natasha Akpoti’s suspension.”

The senator explained that his concern related only to claims by a committee member that attendance signatures from some lawmakers were attached to the final report.

Oshiomhole also expressed regret over any embarrassment his comments may have caused the Senate.

“Finally, I regret if my comments may have caused embarrassment to any senator or the 10th Senate as an institution,” he added.

Adding a new dimension to the unfolding debate, Senator Ireti Kingibe disclosed during a television interview that she never saw the committee report that formed the basis of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.

According to Kingibe, she was attending a retreat on tax reforms alongside several other senators at the time the report was being considered.

“I never saw the report that led to Natasha’s suspension. I was at a retreat,” Kingibe said.

The FCT senator revealed that she attended a committee session, signed the attendance register and later left for the retreat, which she considered important to her constituents.

“I even complained to other senators, specifically to Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe. I complained to him very bitterly that I had not seen that report. I didn’t see it then. I have not seen it till now,” she added.

The latest developments have revived public interest in one of the most contentious episodes of the 10th Senate.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 after the Senate adopted the report of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which found her guilty of alleged gross misconduct and unruly behaviour.

The disciplinary action followed a highly publicised dispute between the Kogi Central senator and Akpabio.

While Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the Senate President of victimisation and other improprieties, Senate leadership consistently maintained that the suspension was based solely on violations of parliamentary rules.

The sanctions included the withdrawal of salaries and allowances, closure of her National Assembly office and restrictions on access to the legislative complex during the suspension period.

The Natasha Suspension Probe discussion has gained additional significance following recent remarks by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who reportedly described the episode as one of the lowest moments of the current Senate.

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As lawmakers prepare to return from recess, attention is expected to focus on whether the Senate will formally investigate the controversy or seek to draw a line under a dispute that continues to generate political and public debate.