Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the appointment of Senator Aniekan Bassey as the new Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations during Thursday’s plenary session.
Senator Bassey has taken over from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose position had been uncertain since her suspension from Senate activities.
This marks another change in committee leadership for the Kogi-born senator, who was removed as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content in February and reassigned to the Diaspora and NGOs portfolio.
Legislative insiders suggest that the latest reshuffle in the Senate may be linked to the ongoing fallout from Senator Natasha’s suspension, as the Senate has not provided an official explanation for the changes.
A Federal High Court ruling by Justice Binta Nyako ordered her reinstatement and instructed her to issue a formal apology to the Senate for her actions. Nevertheless, the Senate claims it has yet to receive a certified copy of the judgment and will take no further action until then.
With this latest adjustment, Senator Aniekan Bassey will be expected to lead the committee’s legislative oversight on diaspora engagement and NGO regulation going forward.
