Senator Denies Endorsing Suspension Report for Colleague

Senator Ireti Kingibe has expressed surprise and stated she did not endorse a report recommending the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory, found her name and signature on the document despite not being present when the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions adopted the recommendation.

On the day the committee convened, Kingibe and approximately four other members were attending a retreat focused on Tax Reform Bills. She disclosed this during a television interview, following earlier comments by Senator Adams Oshiomhole. Oshiomhole had initially suggested that some senators complained about not endorsing the suspension recommendation, even mentioning Kingibe among those who raised concerns.

“

I did tell everybody that I was not there. We were together at the retreat, and I did complain publicly. I wasn’t there. I was at the retreat with him (Oshiomhole). He (Oshiomhole) came to meet me there and when I heard about the report, I said, ‘But we were here’.

During her interview, Kingibe confirmed she had indeed complained to Oshiomhole about her name appearing on the report, clarifying that she only signed the attendance register. She explained that she was at the Tax Reform Retreat with Oshiomhole and others, and upon hearing about the report, she noted their absence. She stated that she and three or four other committee members went to the Committee on Public Petitions and Complaints, signed the attendance, and then left for the retreat, which she considered more critical for her constituents.

“

Myself and three or four other senators that were on that committee, we went to the Committee on Public Petitions and Complaints and we signed attendance and I left to go to the Tax Reform Retreat because that, I thought, was much more important. 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.

While confirming her non-endorsement of the report, Kingibe was careful not to accuse anyone of forging her signature. She mentioned complaining bitterly to other senators, including Senator Abaribe, about not having seen the report. However, she reiterated, "I couldn’t have endorsed the committee report; I didn’t see it."

BACKGROUND: Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 for six months. The Ethics Committee found her guilty of defying Senate seating arrangements and alleged misconduct on February 20, 2025. This suspension followed Akpoti-Uduaghan's accusation that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had sexually harassed her, despite his friendship with her husband.

“

I even complained to other senators, specifically, Senator Abaribe. I complained to him very bitterly that I have not seen that report, I didn’t see it then and I haven’t seen it till now. But I did not say anybody forged my signature. I couldn’t have endorsed the committee report; I didn’t see it.