Fresh tensions are brewing in the Senate ahead of Tuesday’s emergency plenary session, with indications that lawmakers may launch a formal investigation into claims made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole concerning the controversial suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Multiple National Assembly sources disclosed that the matter is expected to dominate discussions when senators reconvene following an emergency summons issued by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The controversy stems from remarks attributed to Oshiomhole suggesting that the signatures of some senators were either improperly attached to or appeared on the committee report that recommended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension. Although the former Edo State governor later clarified that he never accused anyone of forging signatures, the comments have continued to generate unease within the upper chamber.
Sources said several senior lawmakers are dissatisfied with the controversy and are pushing for the Senate to take an official position on the matter.
One source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that the emergency session could provide an avenue for senators to address the allegations and determine the next course of action.
Although the Senate leadership has not officially confirmed that Oshiomhole’s comments will be discussed, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu said the chamber would not ignore allegations capable of undermining the integrity of its proceedings.
“We are going to review any statements made by him. The Senate will take a cursory look at either extraneous, spontaneous or intentional comments from any senator appropriately,” Adaramodu said.
He described the allegations as “spurious, bewildering and unthinkable,” insisting that no senator’s signature was forged or misrepresented in connection with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension or any other Senate matter.
“The business of the Senate is conducted in the open chamber before the media and Nigerians. Decisions are reached after exhaustive debates, including disciplinary matters,” he stated.
Adaramodu further urged the public to disregard the allegations, stressing that no senator had reported that his or her signature was forged during the suspension process.
The development comes days after Oshiomhole publicly clarified comments he made during a television interview that reignited debate over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
In a statement released last week, the Edo North senator denied accusing the Senate or any lawmaker of forgery, insisting that his remarks had been misconstrued.
“The insinuation that I said signatures of senators were forged is a complete misrepresentation of what I actually said,” Oshiomhole said.
“I agree absolutely with the Senate spokesperson that no senator’s signature was forged in Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension because no senator complained to me that his or her signature was forged.”
According to Oshiomhole, his only observation was that a member of the committee had claimed that attendance signatures of some senators were attached to the final report.
The former governor maintained that any suggestion he accused lawmakers of forgery was false and should be disregarded. He also expressed regret if his comments caused embarrassment to the Senate or any of its members.
Meanwhile, Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory, has added a fresh dimension to the controversy by revealing that she never saw the committee report that formed the basis of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Kingibe said she was attending a retreat on tax reforms when the report was considered and therefore had no opportunity to review it.
“I never saw the report that led to Natasha’s suspension. I was at a retreat,” she said, adding that she only attended part of the committee meeting, signed the attendance register and left for the retreat.
Kingibe disclosed that she had repeatedly complained to colleagues, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, about not having access to the report.
“I complained very bitterly that I had not seen that report. I didn’t see it then, and I have not seen it till now,” she said.
Her remarks have intensified scrutiny of the process that led to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, raising questions about whether all committee members had access to the report before it was adopted.
The controversy first erupted after Oshiomhole, during an interview on Africa Independent Television, alleged that the signatures of at least three senators were either forged or improperly attached to the report recommending Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
He claimed that some lawmakers whose names appeared on the document privately told him they neither signed nor endorsed its recommendations.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 after the Senate adopted the report of its 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 senator and Senate President Akpabio. While Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the Senate President of victimisation and other improprieties, the Senate maintained that the disciplinary action was based solely on violations of Senate rules.
The sanctions included the withdrawal of her salaries and allowances, closure of her National Assembly office and a ban on access to the legislative complex throughout the suspension period.
The issue returned to the spotlight recently after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the Natasha suspension saga as one of the lowest moments of the 10th Senate.
