Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Loses Another Committee Chair Role

In a significant reshuffle, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has removed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was replaced by Senator Aniekan Bassey, who represents Akwa Ibom North-East and is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This development comes after Akpoti-Uduaghan was previously removed as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content in February. She was subsequently reassigned to the Diaspora and NGOs Committee, a position she now vacates. With her latest removal, Akpoti-Uduaghan will no longer head any Senate Committee.

Although no official reason has been provided for the change, it is believed to be connected to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension in March over alleged gross misconduct following an altercation with Akpabio. A Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered her reinstatement, criticizing the Senate’s reliance on its Standing Rules and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act in suspending her.

Justice Binta Nyako ruled that the six-month suspension was “excessive” and ordered Akpoti-Uduaghan’s immediate recall. The court also held that the sanctions imposed on her must be proportional and not infringe on her constituents’ constitutional rights.

Akpabio has hinted at a broader reorganization of Senate committees, particularly with regard to vice chairmanships, to ensure fairer representation among senators. He stated that some senators hold multiple vice chairmanship positions, and every Senator should either be a Chairman or a Vice Chairman.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s removal has sparked reactions, with many wondering what this means for her political career. As a first-time Senator on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), her removal from Committee leadership positions may impact her influence in the Senate.