By Stephen Simon
The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Ireti Kingibe, has disclosed that she never saw the committee report that formed the basis for the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Kingibe made the revelation on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, where she addressed questions surrounding the controversial suspension of her colleague.
According to the lawmaker, she was attending a retreat on tax reform when the report was considered and was therefore unable to review it before the Senate took action.
“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,” she said.
Kingibe explained that she initially attended a meeting of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, where she signed the attendance register before leaving for a tax reform retreat, which she considered more relevant to the interests of her constituents.
“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 senator further disclosed that she had raised concerns with some of her colleagues over her inability to access the report.
“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.
Kingibe’s comments are likely to reignite debate over the circumstances surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, which generated significant public interest and controversy within political circles.
The suspension of the Kogi Central senator followed recommendations reportedly contained in a committee report considered by the Senate, although the process has continued to attract scrutiny from stakeholders and observers.
Kingibe’s latest remarks raise fresh questions about the level of consultation and access to information available to senators involved in deliberations leading to the disciplinary action.
