Akpabio: Suspension of Natasha by Nigerian Senate grave threat to democracy, gender inclusion – Group
A civil society group, FixPolitics, has condemned the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate.
Salient Times reports that the senator representing Kogi Central was slammed with a six-month suspension without pay and security details following her alleged violation of Senate rules.
Natasha, who clashed with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seat arrangements, had alleged that she was sexually harassed by him.
The female lawmaker submitted a petition containing the allegation against Akpabio to the Senate, but it was vehemently rejected by the ethics committee of the upper legislative chamber.
Reacting, FixPolitics, in a statement issued by its Executive Director, Anthony Ubani, said that by imposing such a suspension “under the pretext of rule violations, the Senate has not only silenced Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan but has also disenfranchised the people of Kogi Central, depriving them of their constitutional right to representation.”
According to the group, the suspension is a grave threat to Nigerian democracy, gender inclusion, and the rule of law.
“This action blatantly disregards judicial precedents, including Senator Ali Ndume v. Senate of Nigeria (2018) and Senator Dino Melaye v. Senate of Nigeria (2016), which affirm that lawmakers cannot be suspended in ways that strip their constituents of representation.
“The Senate’s repeated defiance of these rulings raises serious concerns about its commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative processes.
“Beyond undermining democratic principles, this punitive measure also calls into question the institution’s willingness to address misconduct within its ranks.
“Furthermore, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension highlights the systemic barriers and entrenched misogyny that Nigerian women face in politics and society at large.
“Female representation in the Senate has plummeted by nearly 50%—from seven women in the 9th Assembly to just four in the 10th Assembly.
“This decision sets a dangerous precedent that could further discourage women from political participation and silence victims of harassment.
“As a signatory to CEDAW, the Maputo Protocol, and SDG 5, Nigeria has an obligation to foster gender inclusion in governance. Yet, actions like these reinforce exclusion rather than progress,” the statement added.
