Senate Sacks Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Diaspora Committee Chair

By Iyojo Ameh

In a fresh shake-up within its leadership ranks, the Nigerian Senate has removed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations. She has been replaced by Senator Aniekan Bassey.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the change during Thursday’s plenary, stating:
“There is a change in the committee chairmanship. The Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations will now be chaired by Senator Aniekan Bassey.”

The committee oversees diaspora affairs and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including policies on diaspora engagement, remittances, collaboration with government agencies, and budget oversight related to Nigerians in the diaspora.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s removal comes just five months after she was reassigned to the Diaspora Committee on February 4, following her replacement as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content in a wider Senate leadership reshuffle.

Her reassignment triggered tension in the chamber, culminating in a heated exchange with Senate President Akpabio over seating arrangements. The confrontation escalated further on March 6 when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from Senate proceedings after publicly accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office.

While the Senate has not formally linked her removal to the earlier dispute, the latest development marks another significant shift in her standing within the legislative arm.