The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, has disclosed that she never had access to the committee report that formed the basis for the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Kingibe made the revelation during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday, stating that she was away attending a retreat on tax reforms when the report was deliberated upon.
According to her, although she briefly attended the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions meeting, she left shortly afterwards to participate in discussions on tax reforms, which she considered more beneficial to her constituents.
“I never saw the report that led to Natasha’s suspension. I was at a retreat. I had earlier stated that I was there with three or four other senators who are members of the committee,” Kingibe said.
She explained that after signing the attendance register at the committee meeting, she proceeded to the retreat, believing that other members would handle the matter.
“We attended the Committee on Petitions and Public Complaints, signed the attendance register, and I later left for the tax reform retreat, which I considered more important at the time. It affects my constituents much more than disciplining a senator, and I figured that the other people who were not part of that committee would take care of it,” she stated.
The FCT lawmaker further disclosed that she raised concerns with some of her colleagues about her inability to access the report, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
“I even complained to other senators, specifically to Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe. I complained to him very bitterly that I had not seen that report. I didn’t see it then. I have not seen it till now,” she added.
The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has continued to generate public debate, with critics questioning the transparency of the process that led to the disciplinary action.
Kingibe’s remarks are expected to further fuel discussions surrounding the controversy, as they suggest that not all lawmakers associated with the proceedings were privy to the report upon which the Senate based its decision.
The issue gained renewed attention earlier this week when Senator Adams Oshiomhole alleged that the signatures of at least three senators were either forged or improperly included in the committee report recommending Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension.
The allegation came shortly after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the suspension as one of the most regrettable episodes in the history of the 10th Senate.
