Oshiomhole Alleges Some Senators' Names Were Added to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension Report Without Their Consent

By Desmond Ogbonmwan

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has raised fresh concerns over the Senate committee report that led to the suspension of Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, alleging that some lawmakers whose names appeared on the document did not sign or endorse it.

The Edo North senator made the allegation during an interview on Africa Independent Television (AIT), where he reacted to comments made by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele regarding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.

The development has reopened debate over one of the most controversial decisions taken by the current Senate and could trigger fresh questions about the procedures followed in compiling the committee report that formed the basis for the disciplinary action.

Oshiomhole Questions Authenticity of Endorsements

According to Oshiomhole, several senators reportedly informed him that their names appeared on the report despite not signing it.

He argued that committee reports are expected to be endorsed by members through their signatures and that lawmakers who disagree with a report are free to abstain rather than sign a document they do not support.

“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.

The former governor maintained that signatures serve as proof of endorsement and should not be substituted with attendance records or any other form of documentation.

Ireti Kingibe’s Name Mentioned

Oshiomhole specifically mentioned Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as one of the lawmakers whose name allegedly appeared on the report despite not signing it.

According to him, Kingibe expressed surprise after discovering that her name was listed among those who endorsed the committee’s findings.

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

The allegation has attracted attention because committee reports play a critical role in legislative decisions and disciplinary proceedings within the National Assembly.

Attendance Register or Endorsement?

Oshiomhole suggested that some of the names may have been taken from attendance records rather than actual endorsement signatures.

He noted that merely attending a committee session does not automatically mean a lawmaker agrees with the final recommendations.

“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.’ Some say maybe they attached an attendance register, which is not the appropriate thing,” he said.

He stressed that lawmakers should only be listed as endorsing a report if they have formally approved its contents.

Background to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate in March 2025 for six months over allegations of misconduct and unruly behaviour.

The disciplinary action followed a series of disputes involving the Kogi Central lawmaker and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The suspension generated widespread public reaction, with supporters and critics debating whether the punishment was justified.

As part of the sanctions imposed on her, Akpoti-Uduaghan was barred from entering the National Assembly complex, her office was sealed, and her salaries and allowances were suspended for the duration of the disciplinary action.

The decision remains one of the most controversial actions taken by the 10th Senate.

Fresh Questions Over Senate Procedure

Oshiomhole’s latest remarks have now added another layer to the controversy surrounding the suspension.

His allegations raise questions about whether all lawmakers listed as endorsing the committee report actually approved its recommendations and whether proper parliamentary procedures were followed throughout the process.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from Senate leadership, Senator Ireti Kingibe, or members of the committee regarding the allegations made by Oshiomhole.