The Nigerian Senate has scheduled an emergency session for Tuesday following remarks by Senator Adams Oshiomhole concerning the suspension of Kogi Central lawmaker, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Sources within the National Assembly disclosed that the controversy surrounding Oshiomhole’s comments is expected to dominate discussions when lawmakers reconvene at the session convened by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The dispute arose after Oshiomhole, during a television interview, suggested that the signatures of some senators may have appeared on the committee report that recommended Natasha’s six-month suspension without their proper authorization. The remarks sparked concerns about the integrity of the Senate’s disciplinary process and generated widespread reactions within the upper chamber.
Although the former Edo State governor later clarified that he never accused anyone of forging signatures, the issue has continued to attract attention, with several senators reportedly dissatisfied with the public controversy and urging the Senate leadership to respond formally.
A source familiar with the matter said Tuesday’s emergency plenary could provide lawmakers an opportunity to debate the issue and determine an appropriate course of action.
“The Senate may use the session to address concerns raised by Oshiomhole’s comments and safeguard the institution’s credibility,” the source said.
Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu has maintained that the upper chamber cannot ignore statements capable of undermining public confidence in its proceedings. He described the allegation as serious and stressed that Senate decisions are reached through open deliberations during plenary sessions.
Adaramodu also noted that no senator had formally reported that his or her signature was forged in connection with Natasha’s suspension, emphasizing that disciplinary matters are resolved only after thorough consideration by lawmakers.
In a bid to ease tensions, Oshiomhole later issued a clarification, denying allegations that he accused the Senate or any lawmaker of forgery.
“The insinuation that I said signatures of senators were forged is a complete misrepresentation of what I actually said,” he stated.
According to Oshiomhole, his remarks were based on concerns allegedly raised by a senator who claimed that attendance signatures of some lawmakers appeared on the final committee report. He further noted that the matter of Natasha’s suspension had already been concluded and that the Senate had moved on.
“Finally, I regret if my comments may have caused embarrassment to any senator or the 10th Senate as an institution,” he added.
The controversy deepened after comments by Senator Ireti Kingibe, who appeared to support aspects of Oshiomhole’s claims. Speaking during a television interview, Kingibe disclosed that she never saw the committee report that formed the basis of Natasha’s suspension.
She explained that she attended a meeting of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, signed the attendance register, and later departed for a tax reform retreat. According to her, she subsequently complained to colleagues, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, about not having access to the report.
Her remarks have raised fresh questions over whether all committee members had the opportunity to review the report before it was adopted.
Natasha was suspended in March 2025 after the Senate adopted the committee’s recommendation, finding her guilty of alleged gross misconduct and unruly conduct. The suspension followed a highly publicized dispute between her and Akpabio.
While Natasha accused the Senate President of victimization and misconduct, the Senate maintained that its decision was based solely on violations of its rules. As part of the sanctions, her salaries and allowances were suspended, her office was sealed, and she was barred from entering the National Assembly complex for six months.
