By: Ganiyu Olayinka
Senator Ireti Kingibe – Photo credit: The Cable
Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory, has revealed that she never had access to the committee report that led to the six-month suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Speaking Wednesday on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Kingibe said she was attending a tax reform retreat when the report was being considered by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.
“I never saw the report that led to Natasha’s suspension. I was at a retreat with three or four other senators who are also members of the committee,” she said.
Kingibe explained that she had attended the committee session, signed the attendance register, and then left for the retreat, which she regarded as more directly relevant to her constituents’ interests.
“We attended the Committee on Petitions and Public Complaints, 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 not part of that committee would handle it,” she said.
The senator added that she had raised concerns about her lack of access to the report with colleagues, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
“I complained to him very bitterly that I had not seen that report. I didn’t see it then. I have not seen it till now,” she said.
Kingibe’s remarks add a significant new dimension to the growing controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, which has drawn widespread public criticism and triggered legal challenges over the fairness and transparency of the disciplinary process.
They also follow explosive allegations made Monday by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, who claimed that the signatures of at least three senators were either forged or improperly included in the suspension report; a claim that has deepened scrutiny of the proceedings.
Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele had previously described the suspension as one of the lowest moments of the 10th Senate.
Tags: #Ireti Kingibe #Natasha Akpotu-Uduaghan #Adams Oshiomole #Opeyemi Bamidele