Senate Replaces Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Committee Chairman

The Senate has appointed Senator Aniekan Bassey as the new Chairman of the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.

The announcement was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Thursday’s plenary session, officially confirming Bassey’s replacement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently under suspension.

Earlier in February, Akpoti-Uduaghan had been reassigned to the Diaspora and NGOs Committee after being removed as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content in a minor reshuffle. Senator Bassey represents the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.

No formal explanation was provided for the latest change, but it is widely believed to be linked to her unresolved suspension.

In May, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court ordered Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement and instructed her to tender an apology to the Senate. However, the Senate maintains it has yet to receive a certified true copy of the court’s judgment.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has not resumed her legislative duties despite the ruling that voided her suspension.

Speaking in a televised interview on Tuesday, she explained that she is awaiting the certified true copy of the judgment before formally returning to plenary, following legal advice and respect for institutional process.