SENATE REMOVES NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN FROM COMMITTEE ROLE DESPITE COURT ORDER

The Nigerian Senate has formally removed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, replacing her with Senator Aniekan Bassey, who represents Akwa Ibom North-East. The announcement was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the close of July 10th Thursday’s plenary session.
The move marks yet another twist in the turbulent legislative journey of the Kogi Central lawmaker, who was originally named chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content following her swearing-in in November 2023. In February 2025, Akpabio reshuffled the committee leadership, moving her to the Diaspora and NGOs Committee. That action raised eyebrows, especially following Akpoti-Uduaghan’s intense oversight activities on oil and gas regulatory agencies.
Her reassignment was followed by controversy, culminating in a six-month suspension, sparking widespread public discourse. Although no reason was provided for her latest removal, it appears linked to the unresolved status of her suspension, despite a Federal High Court ruling on July 4 ordering her reinstatement and directing her to apologise to the Senate.
Speaking in a televised interview earlier this week, Akpoti-Uduaghan revealed she was yet to resume duties, citing delays in obtaining the Certified True Copy of the judgment. Meanwhile, the Senate leadership has maintained that it has not received official documentation of the ruling, leaving her status in limbo.