Senate Removes Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Diaspora Committee Chair

The Nigerian Senate has removed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Chair of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations. Her replacement, Senator Aniekan Bassey of Akwa Ibom North-East, was announced during Thursday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. No official reason was given for the decision.

Akpabio, while making the announcement, said the appointment of Senator Bassey would take immediate effect. He also hinted at an upcoming reshuffling of committee leadership, specifically vice chairmanships, to ensure fairer representation among senators. According to him, “Every senator should either be a chairman or a vice chairman so we balance the situation.”

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was appointed to the Diaspora and NGOs Committee on February 4, 2025, after her earlier removal as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content. Her time in the Senate has been marked by controversy, including a suspension in March over alleged gross misconduct following a dispute with Akpabio regarding seating arrangements in the chamber.

Although a recent court ruling overturned her suspension, she has not resumed her legislative duties. In a Tuesday interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan stated she was waiting for the Certified True Copy of the judgment before returning to plenary, citing legal counsel and adherence to due process.