The Senate has said it will examine allegations made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole concerning the report that led to the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, disclosed this while reacting to claims that some lawmakers’ names were included in the committee report recommending Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension without their approval.
Speaking in an interview, Adaramodu said the Senate would review any comments made by its members and determine the appropriate position on the matter.
“We are going to review any statements made by him. The Senate will take a cursory look at either extraneous, spontaneous or intentional comments from any senator appropriately,” he said.
Oshiomhole Raises Concerns
The controversy followed claims by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, that the names of at least three senators were allegedly included in the Senate Committee report without their consent.
According to Oshiomhole, some lawmakers whose names appeared on the report reportedly informed him that they neither signed the document nor endorsed its recommendations.
The report in question formed the basis for the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Senate Denies Any Complaint of Forgery
Responding to the allegation, Adaramodu stated that no senator had officially reported any case of signature forgery in relation to the suspension proceedings.
He emphasized that the matter was openly debated during plenary and that the Senate’s decision was taken transparently.
According to him, the proceedings were conducted in the full view of Nigerians and attracted widespread public attention, leaving no room for secrecy.
Adaramodu maintained that the Senate acted in line with its rules and procedures when it considered and approved the recommendations concerning Akpoti-Uduaghan.
‘Senators Are Independent’
The Senate spokesperson further dismissed suggestions that lawmakers could have been coerced into supporting the report or that their signatures could have been forged without objection.
He described senators as independent-minded individuals capable of raising concerns whenever they believe their rights have been violated.
“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,” Adaramodu said.
He added that any senator who believes there was an infraction would be able to challenge it directly without relying on third parties.
The Senate spokesperson noted that the chamber would review Oshiomhole’s remarks and communicate its official position after examining the claims.
The development has added a new dimension to the controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, which has continued to generate debate within political and legislative circles.