Ireti Kingibe, two other senators denied signing report used to suspend Sen. Natasha — Oshiomhole

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has raised fresh concerns over the authenticity of signatures attached to the Senate committee report that recommended the suspension of Kogi Central lawmaker, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Speaking during an interview on AIT, Oshiomhole alleged that the names of at least three senators appeared on the report despite their claims that they neither signed nor endorsed its recommendations.

The former Edo State governor made the remarks while reacting to comments by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who recently described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as one of the most regrettable incidents of the current Senate.

According to Oshiomhole, some lawmakers whose names were listed as signatories later informed him that they did not append their signatures to the document.

He specifically cited Senator Ireti Kingibe, claiming she expressed surprise after discovering that her name had been included among those who allegedly endorsed the committee’s report.

“The committee does 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,” Oshiomhole stated.

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

The senator questioned how lawmakers who allegedly did not sign the report ended up being listed as endorsers, suggesting that attendance records may have been attached in place of actual signatures.

According to him, attendance at a committee meeting should not be interpreted as approval of the committee’s conclusions.

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

“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.”

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate in March 2025 for six months over allegations of misconduct and unruly behaviour following a series of accusations she made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The sanctions included her exclusion from National Assembly activities, suspension of salaries and allowances, and the sealing of her office for the duration of the disciplinary action.

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