Senate, Oshiomhole at daggers’ drawn over Natasha’s 6 month’s suspension
Senate and Oshiomhole Clash Over Suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan
By John Alechenu
ABUJA — The Senate and Senator Adams Oshiomhole engaged in a public dispute regarding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, which was recommended for a duration of six months.
Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, alleged during an interview with Africa Independent Television that the names of at least three senators were improperly included in the Senate committee’s report that led to the suspension. He claimed these senators did not consent to the report and specifically mentioned Senator Ireti Kingibe from the Federal Capital Territory, who reportedly expressed surprise at her name’s inclusion.
“The committee conducts hearings, and members are expected to sign the report to endorse it,” Oshiomhole stated. “However, several senators said they did not sign, yet their names were published.”
He raised concerns over what he described as breaches of parliamentary procedures, suggesting that attendance records might have been misused in place of actual endorsements.
Oshiomhole’s remarks coincided with ongoing discussions about Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, which had been enacted in March 2025 amid allegations of gross misconduct and unruly behavior.
Responding to Oshiomhole’s claims, Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu firmly denied any wrongdoing. He stated, “That is not true. No senator has raised such concerns before the Senate.” Adaramodu emphasized that any member seeking to lodge a complaint would do so officially on the Senate floor, rather than to individual senators.
“People will not say they were coerced, nor will anyone’s signature be forged,” he said. “That has never happened in the Senate and it cannot happen.”
In expressing the Senate’s approach to Oshiomhole’s comments, Adaramodu indicated that the chamber would conduct a review. “We will examine any statements made by him and determine the appropriate response, if necessary,” he noted.
The suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan has drawn attention from the public and has been widely discussed among lawmakers, with Senate proceedings on the matter taking place in an open forum accessible to both the public and international observers.
