Senator Adams Oshiomhole has alleged that the report recommending the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan contained forged signatures, claiming that at least three senators whose names appeared on the document neither signed nor endorsed it.

Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North, made the allegation during an interview on Africa Independent Television (AIT) while reacting to comments by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who had described Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as one of the lowest moments of the 10th Senate.

According to him, some lawmakers privately informed him that their names were included in the committee report despite not appending their signatures.

He specifically mentioned Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as one of those who reportedly challenged the inclusion of her name.

“The committee holds a hearing; members are expected to sign the report to endorse it. If you don’t agree, you can abstain. But some said they didn’t sign, yet their names were published.

“People like Senator Ireti Kingibe. She told me, ‘But I didn’t sign that report. Yet my name was published,’” he said.

The former Edo State governor argued that signing a committee report amounts to endorsing its recommendations, questioning how the names of lawmakers who allegedly declined to sign the document appeared on it.

“So, where many don’t accept the content, they could abstain from signing because to sign is to endorse. One, two or three senators said, ‘We didn’t sign, but our names were there,’” he said.

“But how? Some say maybe they attached an attendance register, which is not the appropriate thing. But that’s not my problem. If Opeyemi said so, I think you should take it seriously,” he added.

Oshiomhole’s remarks come amid renewed scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central.

The Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan in March 2025 following allegations of gross misconduct and unruly behaviour linked to a prolonged dispute involving accusations she made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The suspension barred her from legislative activities for six months and included withdrawal of her salary and allowances, closure of her office within the National Assembly complex, and restrictions on her access to the premises during the period. (Guardian)

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