Senate Removes Natasha As Diaspora Committee Chair, Names Replacement

The Senate on Thursday removed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from her current Committee on Diaspora and replaced her with Senator Aniekan Bassey, who represents Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.

The decision was announced during plenary with no official reason given for the change. Senator Bassey is expected to assume duties immediately.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was appointed chair of the Diaspora and NGOs Committee on February 4, 2025, following her earlier removal as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content. Her latest removal marks another slight reshuffling within the Senate committee leadership.

READ ALSO: Court Directs Senate To Recall Senator Natasha

The upper chamber also called on President Bola Tinubu to (on compassionate grounds) assist the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in paying a ₦200 million compensation to the family of two-year-old Ivan Omhonrina, who was tragically killed during an NDLEA operation in Asaba, Delta State.

This followed a petition submitted by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Senator Neda Imaseun. 

The tragic incident occurred on July 13, 2023, when NDLEA officers reportedly opened fire during a raid, fatally striking the toddler as he returned home from school. The case had sparked public outrage and demands for justice from civil society groups as well as the victim’s family.

During plenary, the Senate condemned the killing and urged that the NDLEA take full responsibility by bearing the total cost of the compensation being demanded by the family. Lawmakers stressed that such incidents must not go unaddressed, underscoring the need for accountability within law enforcement agencies.

In a mark of respect, the Senate observed a minute of silence in memory of the late Ivan Omhonrina.

Furthermore, the Senate directed its Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor the implementation of the resolution and report back to the chamber within two months.

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