Senator Adams Oshiomhole has alleged that the signatures of at least three lawmakers were forged or wrongly attached to the report that recommended the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, made the claim during an interview with Africa Independent Television on Monday 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 said some senators 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, representing the Federal Capital Territory, as one of those who allegedly raised concerns over the inclusion of her name on the report.
According to Oshiomhole, committee members are expected to sign a report as an indication of their agreement with its contents, adding that lawmakers who disagree with a report have the option of refusing to endorse it.
“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,” he said.
He questioned the procedure used in compiling the report, arguing that attaching an attendance register in place of actual endorsement would not amount to proper approval of the document.
The allegation has renewed public debate over the process that led to the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, whose disciplinary action has remained controversial.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate in March 2025 following a recommendation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which accused her of gross misconduct and unruly behaviour.
The suspension followed a dispute between the lawmaker and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she had accused of victimisation and other allegations. The Senate, however, maintained that the action was based on her conduct during legislative proceedings.
The disciplinary measure included the withdrawal of her salary and allowances, closure of her National Assembly office, and restrictions on accessing legislative premises during the suspension period.
Bamidele’s recent description of the suspension as a low point for the Senate has further intensified discussions about the handling of the matter and the credibility of the committee’s report.
Oshiomhole’s claims are expected to increase calls for transparency regarding the committee’s proceedings and the events that led to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
Neither the Senate leadership nor the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions had officially responded to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
