Senate President Godswill Akpabio has announced the replacement of suspended senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and replaced her with Senator Aniekan Bassey, who represents Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.
The decision was announced during plenary on Thursday with no official reason given for the change. Senator Bassey is expected to assume duties immediately.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was appointed chair of the Diaspora and NGOs Committee on February 4, 2025, following her earlier removal as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content. Her latest removal marks another slight reshuffling within the Senate committee leadership.
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Although no formal explanation was provided for her replacement, it is thought that the move may not be unconnected to her suspension.
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court had ordered Natasha’s reinstatement, mandating her to tender an apology to the Senate for her conduct.
But the Senate maintains it has yet to receive a certified true copy of the court’s judgment.
Natasha, on her part, is yet to tender the apology.