Three Senators’ Signatures on Natasha Suspension Report Were Forged — Oshiomhole

The senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has alleged that the signatures of at least three senators were forged or improperly included in the report that led to the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Oshiomhole made the allegation on Monday during an interview on Africa Independent Television while reacting to comments by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as one of the lowest moments of the 10th Senate.

The former Edo State governor claimed that some lawmakers whose names appeared on the report had privately told him that they neither signed the document nor supported its recommendations.

He specifically mentioned Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory, as one of those who allegedly questioned the inclusion of her name on the report.

“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.

He argued that attaching lawmakers’ names to a document without their approval amounted to a breach of parliamentary procedure, stressing that signing a committee report indicates acceptance of its contents.

According to him, lawmakers who disagree with a committee’s findings have the option of refusing to endorse the document rather than having their names included without consent.

The allegation comes amid renewed debate over the circumstances surrounding the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate in March 2025 after the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions found her guilty of alleged misconduct and unruly behaviour during legislative proceedings.

The disciplinary action followed a public dispute between the senator and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she had accused of victimisation and other allegations.

The Senate maintained that the suspension was based on her conduct during plenary and was unrelated to her claims against the Senate President.

The punishment included the withdrawal of her salary and allowances, closure of her office within the National Assembly complex and restrictions from accessing legislative premises.

Oshiomhole’s claims have added fresh controversy to the matter, with calls growing for greater transparency regarding the committee’s proceedings and the process that produced the suspension report.

As of the time of filing this report, the Senate leadership and the committee had not officially responded to the allegations.