I never saw report behind Natasha’s suspension — Kingibe

The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, has disclosed that she never saw the committee report that recommended the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Mrs Kingibe, a member of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, made the revelation during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday.

According to her, although she attended the committee session and signed the attendance register, she left shortly afterwards to participate in a tax reform retreat, which she considered more important to the interests of her constituents.

“I never saw the report that led to Natasha’s suspension. I was at a retreat. I had earlier stated that I was there with three or four other senators who are members of the committee,” she said.

Explaining her absence from the proceedings that culminated in the suspension recommendation, Mrs Kingibe said, “We attended the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions and signed the attendance register, and I later left for the tax reform retreat, which I considered more important at the time.

“It affects my constituents much more than disciplining a senator, and I figured that the other members of the committee would take care of it.”

The lawmaker further revealed that she raised concerns with some of her colleagues over her inability to access the report, specifically mentioning Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.

“I even complained to other senators, specifically Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe. I complained to him very bitterly that I had not seen that report. I didn’t see it then, and I have not seen it till now,” she stated.

DAILY NIGERIAN reports that Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension sparked widespread public debate and legal challenges, with critics questioning the procedure adopted by the Senate and its implications for legislative accountability and representation.

The controversy continued to generate reactions within and outside the National Assembly, with calls for greater transparency in the disciplinary processes of the legislature.