In a statement issued on Tuesday, Senator Titus Zam, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission, clarified that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) from Kogi is not a designated member of the committee. This statement comes in response to Akpoti-Uduaghan's allegation that her name was omitted from the committee's attendance register during a recent budget defense meeting with the commission's management. Zam's clarification aims to put to rest what has become a contentious issue regarding her perceived exclusion from Senate activities.

During the budget defense meeting, Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly voiced her frustration regarding the absence of her name in the attendance register. This sparked questions about the proper protocols and communication within the committee regarding membership and attendance. Following this incident, Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to seek clarification from the committee clerk, who directed her to Zam's office for answers, highlighting a potential breakdown in communication between the committee members and its administrative staff.

The incident raises important questions about transparency and member engagement within the Senate committee framework. As the chairman of the committee, Zam's declaration is significant as it highlights the importance of formal membership recognition in legislative activities. It also underscores the necessity for clear communication channels to prevent misunderstandings that can lead to public disputes among lawmakers, potentially affecting their credibility and the functioning of legislative processes in Nigeria.