Senate denies Oshiomhole’s forgery allegation over Natasha’s suspension

The Nigerian Senate has denied allegations by Adams Oshiomhole that some signatures were forged in the process that led to the suspension of Kogi Central lawmaker, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, described the claim as untrue, insisting that no senator’s signature was forged during the proceedings that culminated in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six month suspension.

Recall that Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, had alleged during an interview on AIT that the names of at least three lawmakers were included in the report recommending Natasha’s suspension without their consent.

He claimed some senators whose names appeared in the report privately told him they neither signed the document nor endorsed its recommendations.

Reacting to the allegation on Tuesday, Adaramodu said the claim was strange and without basis.

“That is not true. Signatures forged, over what?” he queried.

The Senate spokesman also dismissed claims involving Senator Ireti Kingibe, saying she had never raised any complaint before the Senate regarding the matter.

According to him, senators are independent minded individuals who would openly challenge any wrongdoing if it occurred.

“Nobody will say that he or she was coerced or somebody’s signature was forged; that has never happened in the Senate and it cannot happen. Senators are mature men and women. If there is any infraction, the affected person will speak up,” Adaramodu said.

He added that the Senate would review Oshiomhole’s comments and determine its position on the matter.

“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,” he stated.

Adaramodu maintained that the issue was openly debated during plenary and that Nigerians witnessed the process, stressing that the Senate acted in line with its rules and procedures.