Senate shakes up diaspora committee, replaces Akpoti-Uduaghan with Bassey

July 11, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

In a new development on Thursday, the Nigerian Senate has announced a change in the leadership of the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.

Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the committee, replacing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The appointment was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Thursday’s, July 10, 2025, plenary session.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, had been serving as the Chair of the Diaspora and NGOs Committee since February, when she was reassigned from the Senate Committee on Local Content during a minor reshuffle.

Although no official reason was given for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s removal, it is believed to be connected to her ongoing suspension. In May, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court ordered her reinstatement and directed her to tender an apology to the Senate.

However, the Senate has maintained that it has not received a certified true copy of the court judgment.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has yet to resume her legislative duties despite the court ruling that voided her suspension. The development has raised questions about the Senate’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting the judiciary’s decisions.

Senator Bassey, the new Chairman of the Diaspora and NGOs Committee, is expected to bring his expertise and experience to the role.

As the Senate continues to navigate the complexities of governance, the implications of this change will likely be closely watched by stakeholders and the general public.

The Senate’s decision to replace Akpoti-Uduaghan with Bassey has sparked interest in the potential impact on the committee’s work and the Senate’s overall dynamics.