Nigeria, March 5 -- The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions has officially commenced an investigation into the recent controversy surrounding the seat rearrangement involving Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

However, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan was absent from the panel's meeting, which began at about 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

The probe is chaired by Neda Imasuen, the senator representing Edo South Senatorial District.

The matter was referred to the committee on 25 February.

Mr Imasuen confirmed that Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan had been duly informed about the meeting and that the matter was officially announced on the floor of the Senate during the plenary session earlier...