Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory, has disclosed that she never saw the committee report that formed the basis for the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a revelation that has renewed public scrutiny of the Senate’s internal procedures and raised fresh questions about the transparency of the disciplinary process that led to the six-month suspension of the embattled lawmaker. Kingibe made the revelation on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time, where she explained that she was attending a retreat on tax reform when the report was being considered and had no opportunity to review the document before the matter was concluded.
“I never saw the report that led to Natasha’s suspension. I was at a retreat. I had earlier stated that I was there with three or four other senators who are members of the committee,” Kingibe said, according to multiple reports. She explained that she initially attended a session of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, signed the attendance register, and later left to participate in a separate retreat focused on tax reforms, which she believed was more important to the people she represents. “We attended the Committee on Petitions and Public Complaints, signed the attendance register, and I later left for the tax reform retreat, which I considered more important at the time. It affects my constituents much more than disciplining a senator, and I figured that the other people who were not part of that committee would take care of it,” she said.
Kingibe further disclosed that after the proceedings, she complained to some of her colleagues about not having access to the report, specifically mentioning Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe. “I even complained to other senators, specifically to Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe. I complained to him very bitterly that I had not seen that report. I didn’t see it then. I have not seen it till now,” she added. She also acknowledged that a photocopy of her signature appeared on the report but maintained that she did not sign the document recommending Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension. “I couldn’t have endorsed the committee report; I didn’t see it,” she insisted. While addressing the controversy, Kingibe noted that disciplinary issues within the Senate are often resolved through apologies, suggesting that the dispute involving Akpoti-Uduaghan could have been settled much earlier.
The controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension had earlier resurfaced after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele reportedly described the suspension of the Kogi Central senator as one of the lowest moments in the history of the 10th Senate. Senator Adams Oshiomhole had also sparked controversy after suggesting during a television interview that the names of some lawmakers were improperly included in the report recommending Natasha’s suspension. The allegation immediately generated uproar within the Senate and prompted Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu to announce that the Senate would review Oshiomhole’s remarks and determine its official position. However, Oshiomhole later issued a clarification denying reports that he accused senators of signature forgery, insisting his comments had been misunderstood and that he never alleged any lawmaker’s signature was forged.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate in March 2025 for six months following allegations of gross misconduct and unruly behaviour during a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio regarding sitting arrangements in the chamber. The suspension barred her from all activities of the 10th Senate, halted her salary and allowances, and led to the sealing of her office. The decision has remained one of the most debated actions of the current Senate, with critics repeatedly questioning whether due process was followed before the Kogi Central lawmaker was disciplined. The allegations of procedural irregularities, combined with Kingibe’s recent revelations and the lingering questions over the report’s handling, are likely to deepen the controversy and intensify calls for a review of the Senate’s internal disciplinary mechanisms.
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