Natasha Suspension: Oshiomhole Alleges Some Senators’ Signatures Were Forged

By Paul Joseph

Former Edo State governor and senator representing Edo North, , has alleged that the names of some senators appeared on a Senate committee report recommending the suspension of Kogi Central lawmaker, , despite their claims that they did not endorse the document.

Oshiomhole made the revelation while reacting to remarks by the Senate Leader, who recently described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension as one of the low points of the 10th Senate.

Speaking during an interview, Oshiomhole said he agreed with Bamidele’s assessment, citing concerns reportedly raised by some lawmakers regarding the report that formed the basis for Natasha’s suspension.

According to him, some senators, including , informed him that they did not sign the committee report even though their names appeared on the document.

“If he said that, yes. Because there are even people who claimed that their signatures were forged under the suspension document, people like Senator Ireti Kingibe. She told me, ‘But I didn’t sign that report.’ But my name was published,” Oshiomhole said.

When asked whether he was referring specifically to the report recommending Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, Oshiomhole replied that it was the same report presented before the Senate.

Explaining the legislative process, he noted that committee reports are expected to reflect the collective position of committee members and are usually endorsed through signatures.

He stressed that lawmakers who disagree with the findings of a report are free to withhold their signatures.

“The committee holds a hearing to hear what stakeholders have to say, then agrees on its findings and recommendations. Members of the committee are expected to sign that report so that it becomes the collective decision of the committee,” he explained.

He added that some senators reportedly maintained that while their names appeared on the document, they never endorsed it.

“So, where many don’t accept the content, they could abstain from signing it because to sign is to endorse. One, two or three senators said, ‘We didn’t sign, but our names were there.’”

Oshiomhole, however, stopped short of directly accusing any individual of forgery. He suggested that an attendance register may have been attached to the report instead of signatures indicating approval.

“But how? Some say maybe they attached an attendance register, which is not the appropriate thing. But that’s not my problem. If Opeyemi said so, I think you should take it seriously,” he added.

The comments come days after Bamidele, during activities marking the third anniversary of the 10th Senate, described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as “not a happy moment” for the upper legislative chamber, noting that it created a perception of division and raised concerns about the Senate’s treatment of women.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 following a heated confrontation during plenary proceedings over seating arrangements.

Acting on the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, the Senate imposed a six-month suspension that included the closure of her office, suspension of salaries and allowances, withdrawal of security details and restrictions on benefits available to her legislative aides.

She returned to legislative duties in September 2025 after serving the suspension, which drew criticism from civil society organisations, legal practitioners and some constituents who considered the punishment excessive.