The Senate has officially replaced Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan with Senator Aniekan Bassey as the new Chairman of the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations. This decision comes amid the lingering suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, raising new questions about representation and fairness within the Senate.
Aniekan Bassey Replaces Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in Senate Committee
During plenary on Thursday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced that Senator Aniekan Bassey would now serve as Chairman of the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.
Bassey, who represents Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, now officially replaces Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Her removal follows her unresolved suspension, although no direct reason was given during the announcement. However, observers believe the decision is linked to her ongoing legal and political troubles.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was moved to the Diaspora Committee in February, shortly after being removed from her position as Chair of the Local Content Committee during a previous Senate reshuffle.
Senate Defends Move Despite Court Ruling
In May, the Federal High Court ordered the Senate to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan, ruling that her suspension was “excessive and unconstitutional.” The court also asked her to tender an apology to the Senate.
Despite the court order, the Senate has refused to act on the judgment. Senate officials claimed they have not received the Certified True Copy of the ruling, preventing them from reinstating her.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has yet to return to the chambers.
Speaking during a televised interview on Tuesday, she said she was still waiting for the Certified True Copy of the judgment before resuming her duties.
She also explained that she was following legal advice and would respect due process.
Akpoti-Uduaghan Condemns Removal, Says Women Silenced
In her interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the Senate’s refusal to allow her return, describing it as a deliberate attempt to silence both her and the people of Kogi Central.
She did not mince words when she said, “By keeping me out of the chambers, the Senate is not just silencing Kogi Central—it’s denying Nigerian women and children representation. We are only three female senators now, down from eight.”
She argued that her removal from the Senate Committee, despite a court ruling in her favor, represents a wider attack on democracy.
Meanwhile, a legal opinion dated July 5 and linked to Senate counsel Paul Daudu (SAN) claimed that the court ruling did not carry a binding enforcement order.
Still, the decision to replace her with Senator Aniekan Bassey has deepened the controversy over her fate and the Senate’s position on judicial rulings.
Bottom Line
Senator Aniekan Bassey officially replaces Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Chairman of the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations. This replacement, despite a clear court ruling, has intensified debates about justice, fairness, and gender representation in the Senate.
As Akpoti-Uduaghan continues to fight for her return, the Senate’s decision to name a replacement keeps her suspension in the spotlight.
