Senate Sacks Natasha, Appoints New Diaspora Committee Chairman

DDM News

The Nigerian Senate has officially removed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

Her replacement is Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that this announcement was made on Thursday during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who confirmed the leadership change as part of a broader committee restructuring within the upper chamber.

The move comes amid growing scrutiny of legislative conduct and internal disciplinary actions in Nigeria’s Senate.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing Kogi Central, had previously been suspended for six months in March 2024.

Her suspension stemmed from alleged disorderly behavior during Senate proceedings.

Earlier in February, she had been removed from her position as Chair of the influential Local Content Committee, only to be reassigned to head the Committee on Diaspora and NGOs.

Although a Federal High Court later ruled that her six-month suspension was excessive and ordered her reinstatement, the Senate has yet to comply with the decision.

According to sources, the certified true copy of the court judgment has not been formally released, creating uncertainty about her status.

Despite her legal victory, Akpoti-Uduaghan has remained excluded from active Senate participation.

Critics have described the Senate’s handling of the matter as a disregard for judicial authority and due process.

Meanwhile, Senator Aniekan Bassey is expected to immediately assume leadership of the Diaspora and NGOs Committee.

Stakeholders are watching closely to assess whether his appointment will influence diaspora engagement policies or shift the committee’s direction.

The political reshuffling comes as the Senate continues to face criticism over transparency and internal fairness, especially in matters involving dissenting voices and opposition lawmakers.

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