Oshiomhole alleges forged signatures in Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension report

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, has raised concerns over the authenticity of signatures attached to the Senate committee report that led to the suspension of Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In a recent interview with AIT, Oshiomhole alleged that the names of at least three senators were included in the report despite their claims that they neither signed nor endorsed the document.

Oshiomole said this while reacting to recent comments by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as one of the most regrettable episodes of the current Senate.

According to Oshiomhole, some lawmakers whose names appeared on the committee report later informed him that they did not append their signatures to the document.

He specifically mentioned Senator Ireti Kingibe of the Federal Capital Territory, saying she expressed surprise after discovering that her name had been listed among those who endorsed the 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. People like Senator Ireti Kingibe. She told me, ‘But I didn’t sign that report. But my name was published.’” he said

Oshiomhole argued that attaching lawmakers’ names to a report without their consent would amount to a violation of parliamentary procedure, noting that committee members are only expected to sign reports they agree with.

“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. 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 said

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

As part of the sanctions, the Kogi lawmaker was barred from accessing the National Assembly complex, while her salaries and allowances were suspended and her office sealed for the duration of the punishment.