Kingibe says she never saw report that suspended Akpoti

A senator has publicly stated she did not see or endorse the report that led to the suspension of a colleague, raising new questions about the disciplinary process in Nigeria's Senate. Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory, said she was attending a tax reform retreat when the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions considered the report recommending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension.

Kingibe explained that she attended a committee meeting and signed an attendance register but left for the retreat, which she considered more important for her constituents. She said she never reviewed the final report and was surprised to later find her name and a photocopy of her signature on the document. While she complained to colleagues, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, about not having access to the report, she clarified she was not accusing anyone of forging her signature.

The controversy stems from the six-month suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, which was imposed in March 2025. The committee had found her guilty of defying the Senate's seating arrangement and alleged misconduct during a plenary...