More Trouble For Natasha As Senate Removes Her As Diaspora Committee Chair

The problems of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, instead of it to subside, are festering like a sore as Nigeria’s Upper Chamber, the Senate on Thursday, 10 July, 2025, removed her as chairman of the senate committee on diaspora and NGOs, reports the Business Today NG.
Recall that Akpoti-Uduaghan was appointed chair of the Diaspora and NGOs Committee on February 4, 2025.
She was immediately replaced with a Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, Aniekan Bassey.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who announced the decision during plenary with no official reason given for the change, added that the new chairman is Distinguished Senator Aniekan Bassey, and it will take effect from today,” he said.
While disclosing that more reshuffling of committee positions will still continues, Akpabio said a review of vice chairmanships would be undertaken in the coming week to ensure a more equitable distribution.
“We will make some changes to our vice chairmanship positions next week. Some of the senators have two vice chairmanship positions. Every senator should either be a chairman or a vice chairman so we balance the situation,” he said.
Following her earlier removal as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content, Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was appointed chair of the Diaspora and NGOs Committee on February 4, 2025.
The lawmaker was suspended in March over alleged gross misconduct following an altercation with Akpabio over seating arrangements.
She has yet to resume her legislative duties despite a recent court ruling that voided her suspension.
The lawmaker in an interview on Tuesday, 8 July, 2025, she said she was awaiting the Certified True Copy of the judgment before officially returning to plenary, citing legal advice and respect for institutional process.