Senator Ireti Kingibe says she never saw report behind Natasha's suspension
FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe disclosed on Wednesday during Arise Television's 'Prime Time' that she never received or reviewed any report that led to the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Kingibe explained she was attending a tax reform retreat with Edos North Senator Adams Oshiomhole when she first heard about the disciplinary action against her colleague.
She stated that she left a Committee on Petitions and Public Complaints meeting after signing the attendance register, prioritizing the tax reform retreat which she said affects her constituents more directly than the suspension matter. Kingibe added that she complained bitterly to Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe about not seeing the report, and emphasized that she has still not seen it as of her televised interview.
This revelation adds to ongoing questions about Senate disciplinary procedures and raises concerns about transparency in how suspension reports are circulated among committee members. Multiple related developments suggest other senators have made conflicting statements about the suspension process.
The controversy centers on accountability mechanisms within Nigeria's legislative system and whether senators have adequate access to reports used for disciplinary actions affecting their colleagues.