Senator Ireti Kingibe has stated that she never saw the committee report that resulted in the suspension of Kogi Central lawmaker Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The senator, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), made the clarification during an interview on Arise Television. She explained that although she attended the Senate Committee on Ethics meeting, she did not remain long enough to review or approve the report.
According to Kingibe, she left the meeting to attend a tax reform retreat, which she described as a priority because it focused on matters affecting her constituents.
Kingibe Explains Why She Left the Meeting
Kingibe said she signed the committee’s attendance register before leaving for the retreat. As a result, she never participated in the discussions that produced the report recommending Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
She stressed that she did not read the document before it was presented.
“I never saw the report that led to Natasha’s suspension. I was at a retreat,” she said.
The senator added that she expected the remaining committee members to complete their assignment while she attended the official engagement.
Senator Insists She Never Reviewed the Report
Speaking further, Kingibe revealed that she later asked some of her colleagues about the report because she had never been given a copy.
She said she even informed Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe that she had not seen the document.
According to her, she has still not received the report.
“I didn’t see it then, and I have not seen it till now,” Kingibe stated.
Her remarks have added another dimension to the debate surrounding Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
Fresh Questions Over Natasha’s Suspension
The issue gained more attention after Senator Adams Oshiomhole alleged that the names of some lawmakers appeared on the committee report despite not endorsing it.
According to Oshiomhole, some senators did not sign the report but were still listed among those connected with the committee’s recommendation.
However, Kingibe clarified that she was not accusing anyone of forging her signature or falsifying documents.
Instead, she maintained that she simply never saw the report before it was submitted for consideration.
She also argued that lawmakers should be given enough time to examine committee reports before they are expected to approve or support them.
According to the senator, a transparent process would strengthen confidence in the Senate’s decisions and reduce unnecessary controversy.
Ireti Kingibe Natasha Suspension Controversy Continues
The Ireti Kingibe Natasha suspension controversy has continued to attract public attention following her latest comments.
Her explanation has raised fresh questions about the procedure that led to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and whether every committee member had the opportunity to review the report before it was presented.
Although Kingibe insists she neither saw nor endorsed the report, the debate over the committee’s handling of the matter is unlikely to end soon.
As reactions continue, many Nigerians are watching closely to see whether the Senate will respond to the concerns raised about the process that produced the controversial suspension.
