By Peterside Rejoice
The Nigerian Senate has removed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, replacing her with Senator Aniekan Bassey of Akwa Ibom North-East.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement during Thursday’s plenary session, stating simply: “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 Diaspora Committee is responsible for overseeing the affairs of Nigerians abroad, facilitating remittance policies, regulating NGO operations, and interfacing with government institutions to promote the interests of the diaspora community. It also reviews and approves related budget estimates.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s removal comes just months after she was reassigned to the committee in February, following her earlier removal as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content. That reshuffle was part of a broader reorganisation of Senate leadership.
Her reassignment, however, triggered tensions in the chamber, with a confrontation between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio over seating arrangements. The altercation culminated in a heated exchange on the Senate floor.
The situation further deteriorated on March 6, when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate after she publicly accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office allegations that sparked public outrage and divided opinion within the political space.
Senator Aniekan Bassey, who takes over as chair of the Diaspora Committee, is expected to continue the committee’s work during what observers say is a sensitive time for diaspora relations and regulatory oversight of NGOs.
There has been no official statement yet from Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan in response to her removal.
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