The Nigerian Senate is set to hold an emergency session on Tuesday following growing controversy surrounding the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and allegations raised by Senator Adams Oshiomhole regarding the committee report that recommended the disciplinary action.
The emergency session was convened by Senate President Godswill Akpabio amid mounting concerns within the National Assembly over claims that signatures of some lawmakers may have appeared on the report without proper authorisation.
Sources within the Senate indicated that the issue is expected to dominate discussions when lawmakers reconvene, as members seek to address questions raised about the integrity of the disciplinary process that led to Natasha’s six-month suspension.
The controversy began after Oshiomhole, during a television interview, suggested that signatures of certain senators may have been attached to the report without their direct involvement. The remarks triggered widespread reactions and prompted calls for clarification from lawmakers concerned about the credibility of Senate proceedings.
Although the former Edo State governor later clarified his comments, insisting that he never accused anyone of forging signatures, the issue has continued to generate debate within the red chamber.
Several senators are reportedly dissatisfied with the public controversy and are urging the Senate leadership to take a clear position on the matter.
A source familiar with developments said Tuesday’s session could provide an opportunity for lawmakers to deliberate on the allegations and determine an appropriate response.
According to the source, the Senate is keen to address concerns arising from Oshiomhole’s remarks and safeguard the institution’s credibility in the eyes of the public.
Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, has maintained that the upper legislative chamber cannot ignore allegations capable of undermining confidence in its procedures.
He described the claims as serious but stressed that Senate decisions are reached through open deliberations and formal resolutions during plenary sessions.
Adaramodu also stated that no senator had officially reported that his or her signature was forged in relation to the report that led to Natasha’s suspension.
He reiterated that the Senate conducts its affairs transparently and that disciplinary actions are taken only after extensive consideration by lawmakers.
Seeking to calm tensions, Oshiomhole subsequently issued a clarification, distancing himself from claims that he accused the Senate 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 comments were based on concerns allegedly expressed by a senator who claimed that attendance signatures of lawmakers appeared on the final committee report.
Oshiomhole further noted that the issue surrounding Natasha’s suspension had already been concluded by the Senate.
“Finally, I regret if my comments may have caused embarrassment to any senator or the 10th Senate as an institution,” he added.
The controversy gained further attention after Senator Ireti Kingibe publicly supported aspects of Oshiomhole’s claims.
Speaking during a television interview, Kingibe disclosed that she did not see the committee report that formed the basis of Natasha’s suspension before it was considered by the Senate.
According to her, she was attending a tax reform retreat when the report was deliberated upon.
Kingibe explained that she attended a meeting of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, signed the attendance register and later departed for the retreat.
She also revealed that she raised concerns with colleagues, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, about her inability to access the report before it was adopted.
Her comments have intensified scrutiny of the process, with questions emerging over whether all committee members had the opportunity to review the report before its recommendations were approved.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 after the Senate adopted the recommendation of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which found her guilty of alleged gross misconduct and unruly behaviour.
The suspension followed a highly publicised dispute between the Kogi Central lawmaker and Senate President Akpabio.
While Natasha accused the Senate President of victimisation and misconduct, the Senate maintained that the disciplinary action was based solely on violations of its rules and procedures.
As part of the sanctions imposed, Natasha’s salaries and allowances were suspended, her office was closed, and she was barred from accessing the National Assembly complex for six months.
