More than a year after the suspension of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central), the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, has revealed that she never saw the report that triggered the disciplinary action.
Sen. Kingibe noted that this lack of oversight occurred despite her being a member of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, the body that recommended the suspension.
Persecondnews recalls that the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan in March 2025.
The Senate had handed her a six-month suspension following recommendations from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which investigated allegations of gross misconduct and unruly behaviour against her.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Wednesday, Kingibe revealed that she was at a retreat alongside Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) when she first heard about the committee’s report.
“I never saw the report that led to Natasha’s suspension. I was at a retreat. I had earlier stated that I was there with three or four other senators who are members of the committee.
“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 people who were not part of that committee would take care of it, “Kingibe said.
“I even complained to other Senators, specifically to 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.”