THE senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has alleged that the signatures of at least three senators were either forged or improperly included in the report that led to the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Oshiomhole made the claim yesterday during an interview on Africa Independent Television (AIT), while responding to recent comments by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who had described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as one of the lowest moments of the 10th Senate.
According to Oshiomhole, some lawmakers whose names appeared on the ethics committee report have privately denied signing the document or endorsing its recommendations.
He specifically referenced the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, alleging that she had told him she did not sign the report despite her name appearing on it.
“The committee conducts a hearing and members are expected to sign the report to show endorsement. If you don’t agree, you can abstain. But some said they did not sign, yet their names were included,” he said.
Oshiomhole further argued that including names without consent would amount to a breach of legislative procedure, stressing that signature on committee reports signifies approval.
He added that some lawmakers suggested their names may have been attached through attendance records rather than actual endorsement, a practice he described as improper.
The allegations come amid ongoing controversy surrounding the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District. She was suspended in March 2025 over alleged misconduct and unruly behaviour during plenary.
The decision was based on a report from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.
The suspension followed a highly publicised dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she had accused of victimisation and other improprieties.
The Senate, however, maintained that the disciplinary action was based solely on her conduct in chamber proceedings.
The six-month suspension included the withdrawal of her salary and allowances, closure of her office, and restriction from accessing the National Assembly complex during the period.
Recent remarks by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele reignited debate over the process leading to the suspension, with renewed scrutiny of the committee’s report and its integrity.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions nor Senate authorities had issued an official response to Oshiomhole’s allegations.
Attempts to reach media aide to the Senate President, Eseme Eyiboh, were unsuccessful.
