Oshiomhole Questions Authenticity of Signatures in Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension Report
By Nwandu Promise
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, has raised concerns over the authenticity of signatures attached to the Senate committee report that recommended the suspension of Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Speaking during an interview on African Independent Television (AIT), Oshiomhole alleged that the names of several senators appeared on the committee report despite their claims that they neither signed nor formally endorsed its recommendations.
The former Edo State governor made the remarks while reacting to comments by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who recently described Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension as one of the most regrettable incidents in the life of the current Senate.
According to Oshiomhole, some lawmakers whose names were listed on the committee report later informed him that they did not append their signatures to the document, raising questions about the process through which the report was finalised.
He specifically referenced Senator Ireti Kingibe of the Federal Capital Territory, stating that she expressed surprise after discovering that her name had been included among those who were presented as having endorsed the committee's findings.
Oshiomhole explained that Senate committee reports are traditionally signed by members who agree with their conclusions, while those who disagree may decline to sign or abstain from endorsing the recommendations.
"The committee conducts a hearing and members are expected to sign the report to indicate their endorsement. If a member disagrees, the option is to abstain. However, some senators said they did not sign the report, yet their names were included," he said.
He further questioned how the names of lawmakers who allegedly did not sign the report became part of the final document, suggesting that attendance records may have been used in place of formal endorsements.
According to him, relying on attendance sheets as evidence of approval would be inappropriate because a senator's presence at a meeting does not automatically signify agreement with the committee's conclusions.
Oshiomhole also argued that the concerns raised by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele regarding the circumstances surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension deserve careful consideration rather than dismissal.
"Some senators said, 'We didn't sign, but our names were there.' If that happened, then questions should be asked. Some have suggested that an attendance register may have been attached instead of actual signatures, but that is not my concern. If Opeyemi Bamidele made those observations, I believe they should be taken seriously," he added.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate in March 2025 for six months over allegations of misconduct and unruly behaviour following a series of accusations she made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
As part of the disciplinary measures, the Kogi Central 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 sanction.
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