Senate Replaces Suspended Senator Natasha with Aniekan Bassey as Committee Chair
The Nigerian Senate has appointed Senator Aniekan Bassey as the new chairman of the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations. This appointment comes as a replacement for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who remains under suspension.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced during Thursday’s plenary session. Bassey, who represents Akwa Ibom North-East, now officially takes over the leadership of the committee.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was moved to the Diaspora and NGOs Committee in February 2025, following her removal as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content during a minor reshuffle. Since then, her role has remained uncertain due to her suspension.
Although the Senate did not provide any explanation for the change, many believe it is directly linked to her ongoing suspension. In May, the Federal High Court ruled her suspension as “excessive and unconstitutional” and ordered her reinstatement. However, the Senate has maintained that it has not received a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment, and thus, has not acted on it.
In a recent interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that she has yet to resume her legislative duties because she is still waiting for the court’s CTC. She said legal advice has urged her to respect the proper legal process before returning to the Senate floor.
The Senate’s legal counsel, Paul Daudu (SAN), issued a legal opinion on July 5 suggesting that the court ruling contained no direct enforcement order to reinstate her. This has left her return in limbo.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, is one of only three female senators in the current National Assembly. Her continued absence from the Senate has drawn concern from women’s rights advocates and constituents alike.
Speaking on the issue, 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.”
As the Senate proceeds with its committee reshuffle, many continue to watch closely for any sign of resolution to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and reinstatement. Her removal from yet another leadership position may further fuel the debate about women’s representation and internal transparency within Nigeria’s legislative body.
