In a notable reshuffle of its committee leadership, the Senate on Thursday replaced Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as the Chairman of the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
The Senate appointed Senator Aniekan Bassey of Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District to the role.
The decision was announced during plenary, with no official explanation provided for the change.
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Senator Bassey is expected to commence his new duties immediately.
This marks another change in committee assignments for Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
She assumed the chairmanship of the Diaspora and NGOs Committee on February 4, 2025, following her earlier removal as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content.
In a separate but significant development, the upper legislative chamber also formally called upon President Bola Tinubu to provide compassionate assistance to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for the payment of ₦200 million in compensation.
This compensation is intended for the family of two-year-old Ivan Omhonrina, who tragically lost his life during an NDLEA operation in Asaba, Delta State.
The Senate’s resolution followed a petition presented by Senator Neda Imaseun, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics.
The unfortunate incident, which occurred on July 13, 2023, involved NDLEA officers reportedly opening fire during a raid, fatally striking the toddler as he was returning home from school.
The case had previously ignited widespread public outrage and calls for justice from both civil society organizations and the victim’s family.
During the plenary session, lawmakers strongly condemned the killing and urged the NDLEA to take full responsibility for covering the entire compensation demanded by the family.
Senators underscored the imperative for law enforcement agencies to be held accountable for such incidents.
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As a gesture of respect, the Senate observed a minute of silence in memory of young Ivan Omhonrina.
Furthermore, the Senate mandated its Committee on Legislative Compliance to oversee the implementation of this resolution and submit a progress report to the chamber within two months.
