Senate Summons Emergency Session Over Oshiomhole’s Remarks on Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension
The Nigerian Senate has convened an emergency session scheduled for Tuesday amid fresh controversy surrounding the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and recent remarks by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
PulseNets learnt that the matter is expected to dominate discussions when lawmakers reconvene for the emergency sitting summoned by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Sources within the National Assembly who spoke to PulseNets disclosed that the Senate may be compelled to formally address the growing controversy following comments made by Oshiomhole concerning the committee report that resulted in Natasha’s six-month suspension.
The controversy erupted after Oshiomhole, during a television interview, suggested that the signatures of some senators may have appeared on the report without their proper authorization. The remarks immediately triggered widespread reactions and raised concerns about the credibility of the Senate’s disciplinary procedures.
Although the former Edo State governor later clarified his comments, maintaining that he never accused anyone of forging signatures, the issue has continued to generate intense debate within the Senate.
PulseNets learnt that several lawmakers are dissatisfied with the public attention the matter has attracted and are urging the Senate leadership to take a definitive position.
A source familiar with developments told PulseNets that Tuesday’s emergency session may provide lawmakers with an opportunity to openly deliberate on the controversy and determine the appropriate course of action.
According to the source, the Senate could use the plenary session to address concerns arising from Oshiomhole’s comments and reaffirm the institution’s integrity.
Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, has also signaled that the upper legislative chamber will not overlook statements capable of eroding public trust in Senate proceedings.
He described the allegation as a serious matter and reiterated that Senate resolutions are reached through transparent deliberations during plenary sessions.
Adaramodu further maintained that no senator has officially reported that his or her signature was forged in connection with Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
He emphasized that the Senate conducts its affairs openly and that disciplinary actions are only taken after thorough consideration and debate by lawmakers.
Meanwhile, Oshiomhole has sought to ease tensions by publicly clarifying his earlier remarks.
In his explanation, the senator firmly denied accusing the Senate or any of his colleagues of forgery.
“The insinuation that I said signatures of senators were forged is a complete misrepresentation of what I actually said,” Oshiomhole said.
He explained that his observation stemmed from concerns allegedly raised by a senator who claimed that the attendance signatures of certain lawmakers appeared on the committee’s final report.
Oshiomhole also stated that the issue surrounding Natasha’s suspension had already been resolved and that the Senate had moved beyond it.
“Finally, I regret if my comments may have caused embarrassment to any senator or the 10th Senate as an institution,” he added.
The debate has intensified following remarks by Senator Ireti Kingibe, who appeared to support aspects of Oshiomhole’s position.
Speaking during a television interview, Kingibe revealed that she never had access to the committee report that served as the basis for Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
According to the senator, she was participating in a tax reform retreat when the report was considered by the committee.
Kingibe explained that she attended a meeting of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, signed the attendance register, and subsequently departed for the retreat.
She further disclosed that she raised concerns with fellow lawmakers, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, regarding her inability to review the report.
Her comments have introduced a new dimension to the controversy, prompting renewed questions over whether all committee members adequately examined the report before it was adopted.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 after the Senate adopted the committee’s recommendation, which found her guilty of alleged gross misconduct and unruly conduct.
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The suspension followed a highly publicized dispute between the Kogi Central lawmaker and Senate President Akpabio.
While Natasha accused Akpabio of victimization and misconduct, the Senate maintained that its decision was based solely on breaches of Senate rules and procedures.
As part of the disciplinary measures, her salaries and allowances were suspended, her office was sealed, and she was prohibited from accessing the National Assembly complex for a period of six months.
