The Senate has removed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP–Kogi) as Chairperson of the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision during Thursday’s plenary session, naming Senator Aniekan Bassey as her replacement.
He stated “There is a change in the committee chairmanship. The Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations will now be chaired by Sen. Aniekan Bassey.”
The committee is tasked with monitoring diaspora networks and NGOs, providing guidance on home remittances, and facilitating dialogue with governments and local authorities. It is also responsible for promoting the exchange of ideas between Nigerians at home and abroad, as well as overseeing annual budget estimates related to diaspora affairs.
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Akpoti-Uduaghan was previously reassigned to the Diaspora Committee on Feb. 4 after she was removed as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content, as part of a broader reshuffle in committee leadership.
Her reassignment was followed by a heated altercation in the Senate chamber over seating arrangements, culminating in a confrontation with Senate President, Akpabio.
The situation escalated on March 6 when Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate after she publicly accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office.
However, a Federal High Court in Abuja had last week ordered the Senate to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.
But in a reaction to the court judgment, the Senate, through its Committee Chairman on Media and Public Affairs, Sen. Yemi Adaramodu said the was yet to be served with the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the said judgment.
