The Nigerian Senate has dismissed allegations by Senator Adams Oshiomhole that some lawmakers’ signatures were forged during the process that led to the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, described the allegation as unfounded, insisting that no senator’s signature was falsified in connection with the report that recommended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, had alleged during an interview on Africa Independent Television (AIT) that the names of at least three senators were included in the committee report without their consent. According to him, some lawmakers whose names appeared on the document privately informed him that they neither signed the report nor endorsed its recommendations.
Responding to the claim on Tuesday, Adaramodu questioned the basis of the allegation and maintained that no such incident occurred during the proceedings. “That is not true. Signatures forged, over what?” he said.
The Senate spokesman also dismissed suggestions that Senator Ireti Kingibe was among those affected, stating that she had never lodged any complaint before the Senate regarding the matter. Adaramodu stressed that members of the upper legislative chamber are independent-minded individuals who would not hesitate to raise concerns if any wrongdoing had taken place.
“Nobody will say that he or she was coerced or somebody’s signature was forged; that has never happened in the Senate and it cannot happen. Senators are mature men and women. If there is any infraction, the affected person will speak up,” he said.
He added that the Senate would examine Oshiomhole’s comments and decide on an appropriate response. “We are going to look into it and take a stand. But no senator has reported that his or her signature was forged during the Natasha matter,” Adaramodu stated.
The Senate spokesperson further maintained that the process leading to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was conducted transparently and in accordance with the chamber’s rules and procedures. According to him, the matter was debated openly during plenary sessions and Nigerians were able to follow the proceedings.
“The issue was discussed in the open, and Nigerians witnessed what transpired. The Senate acted in line with its established rules and procedures,” he said.
The development follows renewed debate over the circumstances surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, with differing accounts emerging from members of the Senate regarding the process that culminated in the disciplinary action.
