The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has denied signing the report that led to the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in February 2025 following a dispute involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio, with the disciplinary process handled by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun.
The suspension sparked widespread public debate and legal challenges, with critics questioning the fairness and transparency of the process. Kingibe’s latest comments have now added a new dimension to the controversy.
During an interview on Arise News, Kingibe stated that she neither saw nor signed the final report that formed the basis of the suspension.
“I never saw the report that led to Natasha’s suspension. I was at a retreat,” she said, adding that she had only attended an initial committee meeting before leaving for other legislative engagements.
She explained that she prioritised participation in a tax reform retreat, saying it had more direct relevance 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,” she said.
Kingibe further disclosed that she had raised concerns with colleagues, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, over her lack of 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 added.
However, official findings reportedly listed her name and signature among those who endorsed the final report, a claim she has firmly rejected, further deepening questions surrounding the integrity of the process.
The controversy also drew in Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who initially suggested in a televised interview that some signatures may have been attached without lawmakers’ consent. He later issued a clarification, stating that he did not directly allege forgery and expressed regret over any misunderstanding his comments may have caused.
The latest developments have renewed scrutiny of the Senate’s disciplinary procedures and raised broader concerns about transparency and internal accountability within the legislative chamber.
