Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Senate, has stated that she never saw the report that resulted in the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Kingibe's Disclosure
Kingibe made this revelation on Wednesday night, June 17, during an interview on Arise Television. She explained that she was away at a tax reform retreat when the committee finalized the report.
“I never saw the report that led to Natasha’s suspension. I had earlier stated that I was there with three or four other senators who are members of the committee,” Kingibe said.
“We attended the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, 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 part of that committee would take care of it,” she added.
No Endorsement Given
The FCT lawmaker maintained that she could not have endorsed the committee's findings or recommendations because the document was never presented to her.
“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 emphasized.
Background Controversy
Kingibe's comments follow a brewing controversy within the upper legislative chamber. Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole alleged during a separate television appearance that the attendance signatures of some committee members, including Kingibe's, were improperly attached to the final report to imply an endorsement they did not give.
The Senate leadership, through its spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu, has since dismissed claims of signature manipulation or procedural flaws. The leadership maintains that the suspension process was conducted transparently and in full compliance with Senate rules.
