Natasha: Senate denies manipulating suspension report, accuses Oshiomhole of mischief

The Nigerian Senate has strongly refuted claims made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole regarding the alleged forgery of signatures on a report that recommended the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Senate Spokesman Senator Yemi Adaramodu described Oshiomhole's allegations as unfounded and a product of mischief, asserting that the disciplinary action against the Kogi Central senator adhered to due process and was conducted openly.

“

Senator Natasha was sanctioned for violating the Senate Rules. We made it clear that if anyone fails to abide by the rules, there will be consequences.

Adaramodu emphasized that any lawmaker violating Senate rules faces consequences, and the matter involving Akpoti-Uduaghan was publicly discussed at a plenary session. He explained that the issue was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions. Despite being invited, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan did not appear before the committee, after which the Senate made its decision, with the reasons openly debated.

“

The matter was openly tabled at plenary. Journalists were there, everybody was there, and the proceedings were conducted in the open. The issue was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

Specifically addressing Oshiomhole's assertion that three senators' signatures were forged, Adaramodu stated that this issue never arose during the proceedings. He questioned why such an allegation would surface months after the matter was settled, suggesting it was an attempt to reopen a concluded issue. Adaramodu expressed disbelief that any senator would accuse the Senate leadership of manipulating signatures to influence legislative decisions, stating such an event is unprecedented and unlikely.

“

The issue of whether some people signed a document or did not sign a document simply did not arise. Furthermore, Senator Adams Oshiomhole is not an advocate for other senators.