Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Senate, has revealed that she never saw the committee report that formed the basis for the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Kingibe made the disclosure during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Wednesday, adding a fresh twist to the controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension by the Senate.
The FCT senator said she was attending a retreat on tax reforms at the time the report was being considered and therefore did not have the opportunity to review its contents before the disciplinary action was taken.
“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,” Kingibe said.
Her comments have reopened public debate over the process that led to the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, a development that has continued to generate criticism, legal challenges and questions about transparency within the Senate.
Kingibe explained that she initially attended a session of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which handled issues relating to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case.
According to her, she signed the attendance register before leaving to participate in a retreat focused on tax reforms, which she considered more important because of its direct impact on residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
“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.
“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 said.
The senator stressed that her decision was guided by what she believed was in the best interest of the people she represents.
Kingibe, a first-time senator elected on the platform of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, has frequently highlighted her commitment to policy issues affecting residents of the FCT.
The FCT lawmaker further disclosed that she raised concerns about not having access to the report with some of her colleagues after learning about the Senate’s decision.
She specifically mentioned Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe as one of those she complained to.
“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,” Kingibe said.
Her statement suggests that not every senator connected to the committee proceedings had access to the document that eventually influenced one of the most controversial disciplinary actions of the 10th Senate.
The revelation is likely to intensify calls for greater openness in legislative processes and adherence to due process in matters involving elected representatives.
The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has remained one of the most discussed issues in the current Senate.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, was suspended for six months following recommendations contained in a committee report.
The disciplinary action sparked widespread reactions across the country, with critics questioning whether the process complied with principles of fairness and natural justice.
Many Nigerians argued that suspending an elected senator for such a lengthy period effectively denies constituents representation in the National Assembly.
Supporters of the Senate’s action, however, insisted that the upper legislative chamber has the authority to discipline members who violate its rules and procedures.
The controversy eventually moved beyond the Senate chamber, attracting legal scrutiny and public debate over the limits of legislative powers.
Kingibe’s remarks come just days after another senior lawmaker made allegations concerning the report.
On Monday, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, claimed that the signatures of at least three senators were either forged or improperly included in the report that recommended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
The former Edo State governor’s allegation further heightened concerns over the integrity of the process that produced the committee’s recommendations.
Although the Senate has yet to officially address the allegations in detail, Oshiomhole’s comments generated fresh discussions within political circles and among legal analysts.
If proven, such claims could raise serious questions about the credibility of the report and the procedures adopted by the committee.
The issue took another turn when Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele reportedly described the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan as one of the lowest moments of the 10th Senate.
Bamidele’s remarks were seen by some observers as an acknowledgement of the controversy that has trailed the disciplinary action.
His comments also reflected the discomfort among some lawmakers over the political and public consequences of the decision.
The 10th Senate, inaugurated in June 2023 under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has faced several contentious issues. However, few have generated as much public attention as the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Kingibe’s disclosure has once again brought the issue of due process to the forefront of national discourse.
Transparency, they say, is critical to maintaining public confidence in democratic institutions.
As elected representatives entrusted with making laws and holding the executive accountable, senators are expected to uphold the highest standards of fairness and accountability in their own proceedings.
For many Nigerians, the latest revelations raise important questions: Were all necessary procedures followed? Did every relevant lawmaker have access to the documents upon which the decision was based? And could the controversy have been avoided through greater transparency?
While answers to those questions may emerge in the coming weeks, Kingibe’s comments have undoubtedly added a new dimension to an already contentious issue.
With Oshiomhole alleging irregularities in the report, Bamidele describing the episode as a low point for the Senate, and Kingibe insisting she never saw the document that led to the suspension, the controversy surrounding Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension appears far from over.