Allegations Of Signature Forgery: Senate Moves Against Oshiomole

By Ayodele Oni

The Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, has insisted that processes which led to suspension of Kogi Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, were done transparently.

Adaramodu, Senator representing Ekiti South  however, assured that allegations of signature forgery made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) on the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi central) will be reviewed.

Adaramodu,  in an interview with The cable, said: “The Senate will take a cursory look at either extraneous, spontaneous or intentional comments from any senator appropriately.”

Oshiomhole had alleged that the names of at least three senators were improperly included on the Senate Committee report that recommended the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.

According to Oshiomhole, several lawmakers whose names appeared on the report told him they neither signed the document nor endorsed its recommendations.

However, the Senate spokesperson said: “We are going to review any statements made by him (Oshiomhole).

“The senate will take a cursory look at either extraneous, spontaneous or intentional comments from any senator appropriately.

“We are going to look into it. We will take a stand and everyone will know where we stand. But we can say no senator has reported that his or her senator was forged during the Natasha matter.

“It was debated on the floor of the senate openly at the plenary in the full glare of every Nigerian and even the international audience, and so nothing to hide.

“All Nigerians knew where we stood then on the issue of Natasha… that she ran foul of the senate’s orders. And we are orderly because we are bounded by orders of the senate.”

On the Independence of the senators, he said: “Nobody will say that he or she was coerced or somebody’s signature was forged; that has never happened in the senate and it cannot happen. It has never happened.

“Senators are independent-minded people. We are mature men and women. And if you have any infraction against anybody, that person can, without any advocate from anywhere, that person will show it.”