Key points
- Senate rejects claims by Senator Adams Oshiomhole that signatures were forged in the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
- Senate spokesperson insists all procedures were followed and no lawmaker reported any forgery
- Upper chamber also pledges continued support for NDLEA’s anti-drug operations
Main story
The Senate has dismissed allegations by Senator Adams Oshiomhole that some signatures were forged during the process that led to the six-month suspension of Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Reacting to the claim, Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, described the allegation as unfounded, insisting that no senator’s signature was forged at any stage of the proceedings.
Oshiomhole had earlier alleged in a television interview that at least three senators whose names appeared in the report recommending Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension did not consent to it, claiming they privately disowned the signatures attributed to them.
However, Adaramodu dismissed the assertion, questioning its credibility and maintaining that the Senate operates on clear and transparent procedures.
He further noted that the matter involving Akpoti-Uduaghan was openly deliberated on the floor of the Senate and followed established legislative rules, adding that no formal complaint of forgery had been received from any senator.
According to him, lawmakers are independent and would have publicly raised objections if any wrongdoing had occurred during the process.
The Senate also stated it would review Oshiomhole’s remarks before taking an official position, but maintained that the suspension process remains valid and properly executed.
The issues
The controversy centres on allegations of procedural irregularities in the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, particularly claims that signatures appended to the committee report may have been used without consent. While Oshiomhole insists some lawmakers privately disowned the document, the Senate maintains that all actions were legitimate and transparent.
What’s being said
Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu said the allegations were “strange and untrue,” insisting:
“Signatures forged, over what?”
He maintained that no senator has formally reported forgery and stressed that any infraction would have been raised publicly by affected lawmakers.
Adaramodu added that the chamber would examine Oshiomhole’s comments but reaffirmed that due process was followed.
In a related development, the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics has pledged support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its ongoing fight against substance abuse and trafficking.
Committee chairman, Senator Joseph Igiagbe Ikpea, during a visit to the NDLEA headquarters, expressed readiness to collaborate closely with the agency.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig.-Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), welcomed the partnership and assured the committee of the agency’s cooperation.
What’s next
The Senate is expected to formally review Oshiomhole’s allegations and determine whether any further institutional response is required. Meanwhile, the collaboration between the Senate committee and NDLEA is expected to deepen legislative backing for anti-drug enforcement efforts.
Bottom line
While allegations of forgery have been firmly rejected by the Senate, the issue highlights ongoing political tensions around the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, even as the legislature shifts focus toward strengthening national security and anti-drug enforcement partnerships.
