Senate Removes Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Diaspora Committee

The Nigerian Senate, on Thursday, announced the removal of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations, replacing her with Senator Aniekan Bassey of Akwa Ibom North-East.

The decision, made during plenary, came without an official explanation, marking another leadership shift in the Senate’s committee structure.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, had only assumed the role in February 2025 after being previously removed as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content. Her replacement adds to a series of reshuffles within the upper chamber’s committee leadership.

In a separate development, the Senate also urged President Bola Tinubu to facilitate, on compassionate grounds, the payment of ₦200 million in compensation to the family of two-year-old Ivan Omhonrina, who was fatally shot during a National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operation in Asaba, Delta State.

The motion followed a petition presented by Senator Neda Imaseun, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, drawing attention to the tragic event which occurred on July 13, 2023, when NDLEA operatives reportedly opened fire during a raid, striking the toddler as he returned from school. The incident triggered national outrage and demands for accountability from civil society and the victim’s family.

During Thursday’s plenary, lawmakers condemned the killing, describing it as avoidable and unjustifiable. They called on the NDLEA to accept full responsibility and bear the total cost of compensation demanded by the family. In a solemn tribute, the Senate observed a minute of silence in memory of the deceased child.

Additionally, the Senate mandated its Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure the resolution is implemented and to report back within two months.