I never saw report behind Natasha’s suspension, says Kingibe

The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, has said she never saw the committee report that led to the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Kingibe made this known on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time.

According to the FCT Senator, she was attending a retreat on tax reforms when the report was being considered and therefore did not have the 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 subsequently left for the retreat, which she considered more critical to the interests of 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.

“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 further disclosed that she had complained to some of her colleagues about not having access to the report, specifically mentioning 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.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension by the Senate generated widespread public debate and legal challenges, with critics questioning the process that led to the disciplinary action and its implications for legislative oversight and representation.

Kingibe’s comments add a fresh dimension to the controversy, suggesting that not all lawmakers involved in the committee proceedings had access to the report that formed the basis of the Senate’s decision.

Recall that on Monday, the senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, alleged that the signatures of at least three senators were either forged or improperly included in the report that recommended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension.

Oshiomhole allegation followed a statement by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who described the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan as one of the lowest moments of the 10th Senate.