Senate Fires Back at Oshiomhole, Dismisses ‘Forged Signature’ Claims in Natasha Suspension Saga

By Reporter

The Senate has strongly rejected allegations by Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole that some lawmakers’ signatures were forged or improperly included in a committee report that recommended the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months in March 2025 over allegations of gross misconduct and unruly conduct following a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements in the chamber.

Speaking during a television interview, Oshiomhole claimed that at least three senators privately informed him that they had only signed an attendance register during a meeting of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions, but later discovered their names and alleged signatures had appeared on the final report endorsing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.

He specifically alleged that the signature of FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe was among those improperly used.

However, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu dismissed the claims, insisting that no senator has lodged any formal complaint about forged signatures or procedural violations related to the committee’s report.

Adaramodu, who served on the committee that handled the matter, said any senator whose rights had been violated would have raised the issue publicly on the Senate floor.

“That is not true. Signatures forged, over what?” Adaramodu said in a telephone interview.

“If Senator Kingibe had any issue with the procedure, she would raise it on the floor of the Senate, not to an individual.

“I was part of the Ethics and Public Petitions Committee that heard the matter. Nobody can claim they were coerced or that their signature was forged. That has never happened in the Senate and it cannot happen.”

He stressed that senators are independent-minded individuals capable of challenging any perceived wrongdoing without relying on intermediaries.

Describing Oshiomhole’s allegations as surprising, Adaramodu said the Senate would review the comments and determine whether any action is necessary.

“We are going to review any statements made by him. The Senate will take a look at any extraneous, spontaneous or intentional comments from any senator and respond appropriately,” he said.

He maintained that the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan followed an open debate during plenary and was approved in full public view.

“No senator has reported that his or her signature was forged during the Natasha matter.

“The issue was debated openly on the floor of the Senate in the full glare of Nigerians and the international community. There was nothing to hide.

“All Nigerians knew where we stood on the Natasha issue. The Senate acted in line with its rules and procedures.”