There are indications that the Senate may initiate a formal probe into the allegations raised by Senator Adams Oshiomhole concerning the controversial suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Multiple sources informed Punch that the matter could be taken up when legislators reconvene for an emergency plenary session on Tuesday.
However, several senior senators expressed dissatisfaction with the controversy generated by Oshiomhole’s comments and are urging the chamber to adopt an official position on the issue.
One source, who requested anonymity, said the emergency session called by the Senate President could provide an opportunity for the house to address the controversy and decide on its next steps.
“That explains why Senator Akpabio cancelled the recess and summoned an emergency session under the pretext of addressing rising insecurity across the country,” the source added.
Although the Senate leadership has not officially confirmed that Oshiomhole’s remarks will be debated during the plenary, Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu stated that the chamber will not ignore allegations that question the integrity of its proceedings.
Speaking to Punch, Adaramodu said the Senate will review the statements and determine an appropriate response.
He remarked, “We are going to review any statements made by him. The Senate will take a cursory look at either extraneous, spontaneous or intentional comments from any senator appropriately.”
“We will look into it. We will take a stand, and everyone will know where we stand. Such an allegation is spurious, bewildering and unthinkable.”
“No senator, at any time, either in Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension or any other matter, has the Senate forged a signature or misrepresented any senator.”
“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not believe that a senator can raise such an uncharitable allegation.”
“The business of the Senate is conducted in the open chamber at the plenary, in full view of the media and willing Nigerians. Decisions are taken on any matter after exhaustive debates, including disciplinary issues.”
“The public should disregard this as an ignoble outburst. We are going to look into it and take a stand. But no senator has reported that his or her signature was forged during the Natasha matter.”
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