Senate President Akpabio Replaces Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Diaspora Committee Chair
In a significant political development, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has announced the removal of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Her replacement, Senator Aniekan Bassey from Cross River State, was officially appointed during Thursday’s plenary session.
A Series of Committee Leadership Changes
This marks the latest in a series of committee leadership changes involving the Kogi Central lawmaker. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s political journey in the Senate committees has been particularly turbulent since her swearing-in in November 2023.
Originally appointed as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content, she was reassigned to lead the Diaspora and NGOs Committee on February 4, 2025, as part of a broader reshuffle initiated by Senate President Akpabio.
Controversy Surrounding the February Reshuffle
The February committee reshuffle raised eyebrows across political circles, coming shortly after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had been actively overseeing oil and gas agencies in her capacity as Local Content Committee Chair. Many political analysts suggested her removal from this strategic position might have been politically motivated.
“The timing was certainly questionable,” remarked political commentator Adeola Williams. “She had just begun making significant inroads in overseeing critical energy sector agencies when she was moved to what many consider a less influential committee.”
Suspension and Final Removal
The senator’s tenure as Diaspora Committee Chair faced further complications when she received a six-month suspension on March 6, 2025, following allegations of misconduct related to confrontations during the reshuffle process. While the suspension temporarily halted her committee activities, she technically remained the official chair until Thursday’s announcement.
With Senator Bassey’s appointment, the Senate has now completely severed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s connection to both committees she previously led. The Cross River lawmaker brings extensive legislative experience to his new role, having served on several important committees since joining the Senate.
Implications for Senate Dynamics
Political observers are closely watching how these developments will affect power dynamics within the Senate. The frequent committee changes involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan have sparked discussions about potential underlying tensions within the legislative body.
“This isn’t just about one senator’s committee assignments,” noted governance expert Dr. Femi Ojo. “It reflects broader questions about committee allocation processes and whether they’re being used as tools for political maneuvering rather than optimal legislative functioning.”
Looking Ahead
As Senator Bassey assumes leadership of the Diaspora and NGOs Committee, attention turns to how he will approach this critical portfolio. The committee plays a vital role in Nigeria’s engagement with its diaspora community and oversight of NGO operations nationwide.
Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s political future remains uncertain following these successive committee changes and her ongoing suspension. Political analysts suggest how she navigates this challenging period could significantly impact her long-term legislative career.
For more details on this developing story, read the original report from The Guardian.