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The Digest:

Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) Chairman Titus Zam has clarified that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi) is not a member of the committee and was not invited to its budget defence meeting, contrary to her claims. In a statement Tuesday, Zam explained that two senators from Kogi, Isah Jibrin (vice-chairman) and Sunday Karimi, are members, while Akpoti-Uduaghan is not. He noted that senators from other zones are included in development commission committees for national character purposes, citing Senator Pam Mwadkon from Plateau who is also not a member. Akpoti-Uduaghan had on Monday alleged her name was omitted from the attendance register and protested at Zam's office, claiming exclusion. Zam advised her to approach the Senate Committee on Selection with complaints rather than confront him.

Key Points:
  • The clarification exposes that Akpoti-Uduaghan's protest was based on misunderstanding of committee composition.
  • It highlights the complexity of Senate committee assignments involving national character considerations.
  • Akpoti-Uduaghan's credibility faces questions, while Zam's position is vindicated.
  • This signals the importance of understanding legislative processes before lodging complaints.
  • The timing, after Monday's confrontation, provides official explanation for the exclusion.

Zam's statement clarifies that Akpoti-Uduaghan was never a committee member, advising her to channel grievances through proper Senate channels.

Sources: The Punch, Senate Committee on NCDC