I Didn’t Review Natasha Suspension Report, Says Kingibe After Signature Controversy

Senator Ireti Kingibe has said she did not endorse the Senate committee report that led to the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, revealing that she was shocked to see a photocopy of her signature attached to the document.

The FCT senator made the disclosure during an appearance on Arise TV on Wednesday, where she also expressed concern over what she described as the National Assembly’s growing inability to hold the Executive accountable.

Kingibe explained that she attended part of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions meeting but left before proceedings concluded in order to participate in a tax reform retreat.

According to her, the retreat was of greater importance to the people she represents in the Federal Capital Territory.

She maintained that she neither examined nor approved the committee report before it was presented.

“I couldn’t have endorsed the committee report because I didn’t see it,” she said.

The senator disclosed that she later approached senior Senate leaders, including the Deputy Senate President, to express concerns about not being given access to the report.

Although she stopped short of alleging forgery, Kingibe insisted that members of the legislature should have the opportunity to properly study committee reports before appending their signatures.

She criticised procedures that allow reports to be signed without adequate review, saying they undermine transparency and accountability within the Senate.

“The truth of the matter is there are many things that I feel should not be the way they are,” she stated.

Reflecting on the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, Kingibe said the matter could have been resolved differently and suggested reforms to Senate disciplinary processes.

She observed that previous conflicts among lawmakers were often settled through apologies rather than lengthy disciplinary measures.

According to her, senators who violate parliamentary rules typically apologise and move on, bringing disputes to a close.

Kingibe argued that the controversy over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension persisted longer than necessary and could have been settled much earlier through an apology.

She also faulted the legislature’s relationship with the Executive, describing the National Assembly as increasingly functioning as a “cooperating arm” rather than an independent institution tasked with oversight.

“I don’t think the Senate is performing its constitutional role effectively as a check on executive power,” she said.

The senator maintained that many actions attributed to the Executive receive support from lawmakers and therefore cannot be blamed solely on the presidency.

Her remarks come as discussions continue over the autonomy of the legislature and its role in providing checks and balances under the current administration.

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