The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, has said she never saw the committee report that formed the basis of the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, amid growing controversy over the process that led to the Senate’s decision.
Kingibe made the clarification on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time.
She said she was away at a tax reform retreat when the report was being 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. I had earlier stated that I was there with three or four other senators who are members of the committee,” she said.
Kingibe explained that she attended a session of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, signed the attendance register, and later left for the retreat, which she described as more important to her constituents.
“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,” she said.
“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 further stated that she had raised concerns with colleagues over her inability to access the report, including 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.
The suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan has continued to generate public debate and legal challenges, with critics questioning the procedure that led to the disciplinary action.
The controversy was further heightened after Senator Adams Oshiomhole alleged that signatures of some senators were either forged or improperly included in the report recommending the six-month suspension.
The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, had earlier described the suspension as one of the lowest moments of the 10th Senate.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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