Natasha: Oshiomhole Makes U-turn, Denies Forged Signature Claims Against Some Senators

Edo Central Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has clarified that he never accused any colleague of forging signatures in connection with the Senate Ethics Committee’s handling of the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, Oshiomhole said his comments during a televised interview were distorted in some reports.

“My remarks during an appearance on AIT’s Politics Today were misrepresented, leading to the false impression that I accused some senators of forging signatures,” he said.

He stressed that the interpretation circulating in public space did not reflect his position. “The insinuation that I said signatures of senators were forged is a complete misrepresentation of what I actually said,” he added.

Oshiomhole further stated that at no point did any senator raise a complaint with him alleging forged signatures in the process that led to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.

He also noted that the matter surrounding the suspension had already been concluded within the Senate.

In his clarification, he aligned with the position of the Senate’s official spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, who had earlier dismissed claims of signature forgery linked to the report.

Oshiomhole said his comments were made in response to a question referencing remarks attributed to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who reportedly described the episode as a low point for the 10th Senate.

He said he only responded by noting that, if such a statement was made, it should be taken seriously given Bamidele’s reputation for measured contributions.

“The only comment I made is that one senator, who is a member of the committee, claimed that the signatures of attendance of some senators were attached to the final report,” he said.

Oshiomhole added that he had not been informed by any senator of forged signatures and expressed regret over the controversy generated by the interpretation of his remarks.

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