The Senate has announced a change in its committee leadership, with Senator Aniekan Bassey being named the new Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations. He replaces Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose chairmanship had been in limbo following her recent suspension.

Senator Natasha was previously removed as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content and reassigned to the Diaspora and NGOs Committee in February. The reason for her replacement is not officially stated, but it is believed to be linked to the unresolved status of her suspension.

A Federal High Court had ordered Senator Natasha’s reinstatement and directed her to apologize to the Senate over her conduct. However, the Senate claims it has yet to receive a certified true copy of the court’s judgment.

With the reshuffle, Senator Bassey will lead the committee’s work on diaspora affairs and civil society engagement.