The Nigerian Senate has dismissed allegations made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole that some lawmakers’ signatures were forged during the process that led to the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Speaking on the matter, Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, described the allegation as false and baseless. He insisted that no senator’s signature was forged at any stage of the proceedings that resulted in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension.
Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, had earlier claimed during an interview on AIT that the names of at least three senators were included in the committee report recommending Natasha’s suspension without their approval. According to him, some of the lawmakers whose names appeared in the report privately informed him that they neither signed the document nor supported its recommendations.
Responding to the allegation on Tuesday, Adaramodu questioned the basis of the claim.
“That is not true. Signatures forged, over what?” he asked.
The Senate spokesman also rejected suggestions that Senator Ireti Kingibe had raised concerns over the issue, stating that she had never lodged any complaint before the Senate.
He stressed that senators are independent individuals who would not hesitate to speak out if any wrongdoing occurred.
“No senator has claimed that his or her signature was forged, and nobody has said they were coerced into supporting the report. Such a thing has never happened in the Senate and cannot happen. Senators are mature men and women. If there is any infraction, the affected person will speak up,” Adaramodu said.
He added that the Senate would examine Oshiomhole’s comments and decide on its next course of action.
“We will look into what was said and take a position on it. However, no senator has reported that their signature was forged in relation to the Natasha matter,” he stated.
Adaramodu further maintained that the suspension process was conducted openly during plenary sessions and was witnessed by Nigerians, emphasizing that the Senate acted in accordance with its established rules and procedures.
Senate Committee Backs NDLEA’s Fight Against Drug Abuse
Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics has pledged its full support to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its ongoing campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
The assurance came during a visit by the committee’s newly appointed chairman, Senator Joseph Igiagbe Ikpea, to the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Ikpea said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the NDLEA and gaining a better understanding of its operations.
He praised Marwa’s leadership and track record of public service, highlighting his achievements as former Military Governor of the old Borno State, Military Administrator of Lagos State, and his current role as head of the NDLEA.
In his remarks, Marwa thanked the senator for the visit and expressed the agency’s readiness to work closely with the Senate committee in advancing the fight against substance abuse and illegal drug trafficking across the country.
