"Three Senators Did Not Sign Natasha Akpoti’s Suspension Report, Yet Their Names Appeared on It" — Oshiomhole

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has alleged that the names of at least three senators were included in the report that recommended the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan despite their refusal to sign the document.

Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North, made the claim during an interview on AIT while reacting to comments by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who recently described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as one of the lowest moments of the 10th Senate.

According to Oshiomhole, some lawmakers whose names appeared on the committee report later informed him that they neither signed nor endorsed its recommendations.

“The committee does a hearing; members are expected to sign the report to endorse it. If you don’t agree, you can abstain. But some said they didn’t sign, yet their names were published,” Oshiomhole said.

He specifically mentioned Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as one of the lawmakers who questioned the inclusion of her name.

“People like Senator Ireti Kingibe. She told me, ‘But I didn’t sign that report. But my name was published,’” he said.

Oshiomhole suggested that attendance records may have been used in place of actual signatures, a practice he said would be improper if confirmed.

“So, where many don’t accept the content, they could abstain from signing it because to sign is to endorse. One, two or three senators said, ‘We didn’t sign, but our names were there,’” he said.

“But how? Some say maybe they attached an attendance register, which is not the appropriate thing. But that’s not my problem. If Opeyemi said so, I think you should take it seriously.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate in March 2025 over allegations of gross misconduct and unruly behaviour. The disciplinary action followed months of tension linked to her accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The six-month suspension barred her from accessing the National Assembly complex, stopped the payment of her salary and allowances, and led to the closure of her office.