The Senate has removed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from her position as Chair of the Committee on Diaspora and replaced her with Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.
The decision was announced during plenary without any official reason provided for the change. Senator Bassey is expected to assume his new duties immediately.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was appointed chair of the Diaspora and NGOs Committee on February 4, 2025.
This appointment came after her earlier removal as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content.
Her latest removal marked another slight reshuffling within the Senate committee leadership.
Meanwhile, the Senate on Thursday has called on President Bola Tinubu to assist the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in paying a N200 million compensation to the family of two-year-old Ivan Omhonrina, who was tragically killed during an NDLEA operation in Asaba, Delta State.
The petition was submitted by Senator Neda Imaseun, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics.
The 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 sparked public outrage and demanded for justice from civil society groups and the victim’s family.
During plenary, the Senate condemned the killing and urged that the NDLEA to take full responsibility by bearing the total cost of the compensation being demanded by the family.
The 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.
Consequently, the Senate directed its Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor the implementation of the resolution and report back to the chamber within two months.
The move aimed to ensure that the Senate’s decision was implemented and that justice was served for the family of the victim.
