The Nigerian Senate has once again reshuffled its leadership structure, resulting in the removal of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs. She has been replaced by Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East.
This marks the second time Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has been reassigned within a year, having previously been moved from her position as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content. No official explanation has been offered for her latest removal. Her appointment to the Diaspora Committee was only made in February 2025.
In a separate but equally important development, the Senate is urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure the payment of ₦200 million in compensation to the family of two-year-old Ivan Omhonrina, who was tragically killed during a drug enforcement operation by NDLEA operatives in Asaba, Delta State, on July 13, 2023.
The call followed a petition submitted by Senator Neda Imaseun, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions. The Senate condemned the incident in strong terms and called on the NDLEA to take full financial responsibility for the toddler’s death.
The lawmakers stressed the need for accountability among security agencies and maintained that the senseless killing of innocent citizens—especially children—must not be allowed to go unaddressed.
In honour of young Ivan, the Senate observed a minute of silence, while directing the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure the resolution is implemented and to report back within two months.
