Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) has challenged the authenticity of the signatures on a Senate committee report that led to the six-month suspension of Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, alleging that at least three senators’ names were listed despite their claims they never signed or endorsed the document.
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In an interview with AIT, Oshiomhole said some lawmakers told him directly they did not append their signatures to the report. He specifically named Senator Ireti Kingibe (FCT), who expressed surprise after discovering her name among those said to have endorsed it. Oshiomhole also noted that at least two other senators’ names appeared on the report without their consent.
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The senator raised these concerns while reacting to comments by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as one of the most regrettable episodes of the current Senate.
Background: Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
The Senate ethics committee dismissed her complaint on procedural grounds and suspended her for “unruly and disruptive” conduct during a session.; 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. People like Senator Ireti Kingibe. She told me, ‘But I didn’t sign that report. But my name was published.’” he said
Oshiomhole argued that attaching lawmakers’ names to a report without their consent would amount to a violation of parliamentary procedure, noting that committee members are only expected to sign reports they agree with.
“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. 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.” he said
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 accusations she made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
As part of the sanctions, the Kogi lawmaker was barred from accessing the National Assembly complex, while her salaries and allowances were suspended and her office sealed for the duration of the punishment.
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