The Senate has removed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Chairman of its Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, replacing her with Senator Aniekan Bassey of Akwa Ibom North-East.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the change on Thursday during plenary, though no official reason was given.
However, the decision is believed to be linked to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unresolved suspension, which has sparked legal and political controversy.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, had earlier been reassigned to the Diaspora Committee in February following her removal as Chair of the Local Content Committee in a minor leadership reshuffle.
Her replacement comes despite a Federal High Court ruling in May that declared her suspension “excessive and unconstitutional.”
Justice Binta Nyako ordered her reinstatement and directed her to apologise to the Senate, a condition which she has yet to fulfil.
The Senate has maintained it has not received a certified true copy of the court judgment. A legal opinion by the Senate’s counsel, Paul Daudu (SAN), dated July 5, claimed the court’s decision lacked a binding directive compelling her reinstatement.
Speaking in a televised interview on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that she was awaiting the certified copy of the judgment before officially resuming her legislative duties, citing legal advice and due process.
She also decried the Senate’s refusal to reinstate her as a violation of her electoral mandate and a blow to democratic representation, especially for Nigerian women.
“By keeping me out of the chambers, the Senate is not just silencing Kogi Central—it’s denying Nigerian women and children representation. We are only three female senators now, down from eight,” she lamented.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s removal continues to draw public concern, especially from civil society groups and gender advocates who view the Senate’s stance as undermining court authority and inclusivity in governance.
With her seat now inactive and her committee role reassigned, it remains unclear how soon she will return to legislative duties—or if the Senate will comply with the court’s ruling.
‘
‘
‘
‘Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
Leave a comment