Ireti Kingibe Breaks Silence on Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension, Says ‘I Never Saw the Report’
Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Senate, has disclosed that she never had access to the report that resulted in the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The revelation was made on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, where the lawmaker addressed concerns surrounding the controversial suspension that has continued to generate public debate.
PulseNets learnt that Kingibe stated she was not present when the report was considered and had no opportunity to review its contents before the disciplinary decision was reached.
According to the senator, she was attending another official engagement at the time and only became aware of developments regarding the matter while away from the proceedings.
Speaking during the interview, Kingibe said:
“I never saw the report that led to Natasha’s suspension. I was at a retreat. I had earlier stated that I was there with three or four other senators who are members of the committee.
“We attended the Committee on Petitions and Public Complaints, signed the attendance register, and I later left for the tax reform retreat, which I considered more important at the time.
“It affects my constituents much more than disciplining a senator, and I figured that the other people who were not part of that committee would take care of it.
“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.”
PulseNets reports that Kingibe’s remarks have sparked fresh questions about the transparency and procedural fairness of the process that culminated in the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
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The development adds another layer to the ongoing debate surrounding the disciplinary action against the Kogi Central lawmaker, with stakeholders continuing to seek clarity on the circumstances that informed the Senate’s decision.
