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Nigeria: Senate Removes Natasha As Diaspora Committee Chair
NIGERIA, JUL 10 – Senator Aniekan Bassey replaces Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Diaspora Committee Chair amid unresolved suspension and legal disputes, marking the second committee leadership change for Akpoti in 2025.
- During the plenary session on Thursday, July 10, 2025, the Nigerian Senate replaced Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as head of the Diaspora and NGOs Committee, appointing Senator Aniekan Bassey to take over the position.
- The removal followed Akpoti-Uduaghan's March suspension over alleged gross misconduct after an altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, though the Senate gave no official reason for the reshuffle.
- On July 4, the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, nullified Akpoti-Uduaghan's six-month suspension, ordered her return to the Senate, criticized the duration of the punishment as excessive, and required her to issue an apology to the Senate; however, the Senate has yet to obtain an official certified copy of the ruling.
- Akpoti-Uduaghan has delayed resuming her legislative responsibilities, stating she is waiting to receive the official certified copy of the court’s ruling and is following counsel to uphold proper procedural standards. Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio announced plans to review and adjust vice chairmanship assignments to achieve a more balanced distribution of committee roles.
- The Senate's removal decision and court ruling highlight ongoing institutional tensions and suggest further adjustments to ensure equitable distribution of leadership roles among senators.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Senate displaces Natasha as diaspora committee chairman
The Senate has displaced the lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, from her current position as Chairman of the Committee on Diaspora. At the same time, the upper legislative chamber named Senator Aniekan Bassey, who represents Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, as her replacement. Senator Bassey is expected to assume duties immediately. The decision was announced during plenary on Thursday, July 10, 2025, w…
Senate removes Natasha as Diaspora Committee Chair – Daily Trust
The Senate on Thursday removed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as chairman of the senate committee on diaspora and NGOs. She was replaced with Senator Aniekan Bassey, who represents Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision during plenary with no official reason given for the change. “The new chairman is Distinguished Senator Aniekan Bassey, and it will take effect from today,” he said. Wh…
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