Senator Natasha loses diaspora committee chair as Akpabio names new head

By Kunle Sanni –

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has named Senator Bassey Aniekun Etim as the new Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, effectively replacing suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The announcement was made during Thursday’s plenary at the National Assembly in Abuja, with no specific reason given for the change in committee leadership.

Senator Etim, who represents Akwa Ibom East Senatorial District, takes over a position that had remained vacant since March following the six-month suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended for allegedly violating Senate rules on seating arrangements and seat allocation, prompting her removal from committee assignments.

Before her suspension, she initially chaired the Senate Committee on Local Content, a role she lost after being reassigned to the Diaspora and NGO Committee by Senate President Akpabio.

Her reassignment and eventual suspension sparked controversy at the time, with some senators questioning the process and rationale behind the disciplinary action.

With Etim’s appointment, the Senate has now restored leadership to the Diaspora Committee, which plays a crucial role in liaising with Nigerians abroad and overseeing the activities of non-governmental organizations.