Senate Rejects Oshiomhole’s Allegation Of Forged Signatures In Natasha Suspension Report

The Senate has dismissed allegations by Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole that the signatures of some lawmakers were forged or improperly attached to the report that recommended the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Oshiomhole had alleged that at least three senators whose names appeared on the report did not endorse the document or sign it, raising questions over the process that led to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension.

The former Edo State governor made the claim during an interview, stating that some lawmakers privately told him they were unaware their names were included among those who supported the report. He specifically mentioned Senator Ireti Kingibe, who he claimed denied signing the document.

However, the Senate has maintained that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was based on the findings and recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which accused her of violating Senate rules and engaging in misconduct.  

The upper chamber previously stated that the suspension was not connected to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, but was instead linked to alleged breaches of parliamentary procedures, including refusal to comply with sitting arrangements and other conduct-related issues.  

Senate leaders have insisted that the disciplinary action followed established legislative procedures and was approved after consideration by the Committee of the Whole.

The controversy has renewed debate over transparency and accountability within the National Assembly, with opposition voices and some lawmakers questioning aspects of the suspension process.

Oshiomhole argued that committee reports should only carry the names and signatures of members who explicitly endorsed their contents, adding that attaching attendance records or names without approval would not amount to proper endorsement.

The allegation comes amid continued public discussion over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and the events surrounding her dispute with the Senate leadership.

The Kogi Central senator was suspended after the Senate adopted the recommendations of its Ethics Committee, a decision that attracted widespread reactions from political groups, civil society organisations and lawmakers.

While Oshiomhole’s claims have intensified calls for clarification, the Senate has continued to defend the legality of the process and rejected suggestions that the report was compromised.

As of the time of filing this report, no formal evidence confirming the alleged forgery has been made public, while the lawmakers mentioned in the claims have not all issued individual statements on the matter.