In a controversial move that has stirred political debates, the Nigerian Senate has officially removed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from her position as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) July 10, 2025.
Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East under the APC, was named her successor during Thursday’s plenary session, announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
A Tumultuous Tenure Marked by Suspension and Reassignments
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s removal caps a turbulent period in her Senate career.
Since her swearing-in in November 2023, she initially chaired the influential Senate Committee on Local Content.
However, a reshuffle in February 2025 saw her abruptly removed from this key position.
And reassigned to the Diaspora and NGOs committee a move that many critics suspect was politically motivated.
Her troubles escalated when the Senate suspended her for six months in March 2025.
Citing “gross misconduct” linked to her confrontational behavior during the reshuffle process.
The suspension followed a widely publicized incident where she publicly challenged Senate leadership.
Accusing Senate President Akpabio of misconduct during a guided tour of his country home.
The incident, broadcast on national television, drew sharp criticism and was used to justify her suspension.
Legal Battles and Uncertain Reinstatement
Despite the Senate’s disciplinary action, a Federal High Court later ruled that the six-month suspension was excessive and ordered her reinstatement.
However, the Senate has yet to receive the certified copy of the court judgment, leaving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s status in limbo.
This legal ambiguity has effectively sidelined her from active committee leadership.
Even as she remained the official chair until today’s announcement.
Political Intrigue and Accusations of Harassment
Adding fuel to the fire, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has twice submitted sexual harassment petitions against Senate President Akpabio.
this has intensifying the already fraught relationship between the two.
These petitions, presented during plenary sessions, have further polarized opinions within the Senate and among the public.
The petitions were referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics.
But no resolution has been publicly disclosed, deepening the controversy.
What This Means for Senate Committees and Governance
The Senate’s decision to replace Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan with Senator Bassey signals a decisive end to her brief and contentious leadership of two strategic committees.
Critics argue that the reshuffles and suspensions reflect a Senate leadership intolerant of dissent.
And prone to political vendettas rather than merit-based appointments.
Observers note that the Diaspora and NGOs committee plays a crucial role in monitoring diaspora networks.
Advising on remittances, and fostering institutional change.
The abrupt leadership changes risk destabilizing the committee’s work and undermine the Senate’s credibility in managing diaspora affairs.
A Senate in Crisis: Power Struggles and Governance Failures
This saga exposes deeper issues within Nigeria’s legislative body, where political power struggles often overshadow governance.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s experience illustrates how dissenting voices face punitive actions.
Raising questions about democratic principles and respect for due process in the Senate.
Meanwhile, the public watches as political infighting takes precedence over effective representation and national development.
A Call for Transparency and Reform
The Senator fires Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Diaspora and NGOs committee chairmanship on July 10, 2025, in Abuja is more than a routine political reshuffle.
It is a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy where power often trumps justice, and political vendettas derail governance.
For Nigeria to progress, the Senate must uphold transparency, respect judicial rulings.
And foster an environment where all senators can serve without fear of retribution.
The Diaspora and NGOs committee deserves stable leadership focused on advancing Nigeria’s interests abroad not a battleground for political score-settling.
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