The Senate on Thursday announced the appointment of Senator Aniekan Bassey as the new Chairman of the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.
Bassey takes over from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose position as chair of the committee had remained uncertain following her recent suspension from Senate activities.
The development was disclosed at plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, marking another adjustment in the leadership of key Senate committees.
It will be recalled that Senator Natasha was earlier removed as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content in a minor reshuffle in February, and was subsequently reassigned to the Diaspora and NGOs Committee.
While no official explanation has been given for the new change, it is widely believed that the unresolved status of her suspension may have influenced the decision.
A recent ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court had ordered Senator Natasha’s reinstatement, directing her to tender a formal apology to the Senate. However, the Senate has maintained that it is yet to receive a certified true copy of the judgment, leaving the matter in limbo.
In the meantime, Senator Bassey is expected to immediately assume responsibilities as Chair of the Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, a body responsible for matters concerning Nigerians abroad and civil society partnerships.
