Natasha’s Suspension Forgery Allegation: ‘We’ll review Oshiomhole’s comments’ – Senate
The Senate has said it will examine allegations raised by Senator Adams Oshiomhole concerning the reported forgery of signatures linked to the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Speaking in an interview with The Cable, Senate spokesman Senator Yemi Adaramodu stated that the upper legislative chamber would review Oshiomhole’s claims and determine its position on the matter.
Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, recently alleged that the names of at least three senators were included on a Senate Committee report recommending the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central without their consent.
According to him, some lawmakers whose names appeared on the report informed him that they neither signed the document nor supported its recommendations.
Responding to the allegation, Adaramodu said the Senate would carefully assess any comments made by its members, whether deliberate or otherwise.
“We are going to review any statements made by him. The Senate will appropriately consider any extraneous, spontaneous or intentional comments from any senator,” he said.
He added that the Senate would investigate the matter and make its position known in due course.
“We are going to look into it. We will take a stand, and everyone will know where we stand. However, no senator has officially reported that his or her signature was forged in relation to the Natasha matter,” Adaramodu stated.
He maintained that the issue leading to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was openly debated during plenary sessions and was conducted transparently before Nigerians and the international community.
“There was nothing hidden. Nigerians were aware of our position on the Natasha issue and the Senate’s conclusion that she violated its rules and procedures. As lawmakers, we operate within the framework of Senate regulations,” he said.
Addressing concerns about the independence of senators, Adaramodu dismissed suggestions that lawmakers could be coerced or have their signatures falsified.
“No senator can claim to have been forced into a decision, nor can anyone say their signature was forged. Such a thing has never happened in the Senate and cannot happen,” he said.
He described senators as independent-minded and capable of speaking out against any wrongdoing without requiring external intervention.
“If anyone has a grievance or has suffered an infraction, that person can raise it directly. I am hearing this allegation for the first time, and it is quite surprising,” Adaramodu added.