I never saw report that led to Natasha’s suspension – Ireti Kingibe

Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has disclosed that she never saw the report that led to the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Kingibe made the revelation on Wednesday while speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme.

According to her, she was attending a tax reform retreat when the report was being considered and was therefore unable to review it before the decision on Natasha’s suspension was taken.

“I never saw the report that led to Natasha’s suspension. I was at a retreat,” Kingibe said.

She explained that although she attended a meeting of the Senate Committee on Petitions and Public Complaints and signed the attendance register, she later left for the retreat, which she considered more important because of its relevance to her constituents.

“I had earlier stated that I was there with three or four other senators who are members of the committee. We attended the Committee on Petitions and Public Complaints, signed the attendance register, and I later left for the tax reform retreat, which I considered more important at the time,” she said.

“It affects my constituents much more than disciplining a senator, and I figured that the other people who were not part of that committee would take care of it.”

The senator further disclosed that she had complained about not seeing the report to some of her colleagues, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.

“I even complained to other senators, specifically to Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe. I complained to him very bitterly that I had not seen that report. I didn’t see it then. I have not seen it till now,” she added.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate earlier this year following recommendations contained in a report by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, a decision that has continued to generate public debate and political reactions.