IBY
Peterside Rejoice Eneky
Senate Upholds Discipline, NAGET Lauds Natasha’s Suspension
The Nigerian Ambassadors for Gender Tranquility (NAGET) has applauded the Senate for suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, citing her alleged disregard for Senate standing rules.
In a press conference held in Abuja on Friday, NAGET President Elijah Tule described the suspension as necessary, stating that it would allow the senator to better acquaint herself with legislative procedures. The group maintained that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was not politically motivated but a consequence of her actions, particularly her alleged violation of Senate Rule 40(4) by signing her own petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“The Senate has only enforced its own rules, as it has done in the past. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension is in her best interest, as it gives her time to study the Senate Rules Book and become a better legislator,” Tule stated.
The suspension has sparked widespread debate, with critics questioning whether due process was followed, especially given that the petition involved allegations of sexual harassment. Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili has called for a thorough review of the senator’s claims, emphasizing the need to protect institutional integrity.
Meanwhile, NAGET commended senators from the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for not turning the matter into a partisan issue. The organization also urged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to withdraw her allegations against Akpabio and issue a public apology.
In response, the suspended senator has remained defiant, rejecting the Senate’s decision and vowing to continue representing her constituents.
Despite the controversy surrounding her suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has insisted that she will not back down. In a statement following the Senate’s decision, she described the suspension as an attempt to silence her and vowed to continue advocating for her constituents.
“This suspension is nothing more than a political witch-hunt aimed at intimidating me into silence. I will not be deterred,” she said.
Her supporters have also criticized the Senate’s action, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent for whistleblowers and undermines efforts to address gender-based harassment in Nigeria’s political space. Many civil society organizations and women’s rights activists have called for an independent investigation into her allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Meanwhile, NAGET has warned Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against what it called a campaign of falsehood against the Senate. The group urged her to halt her international engagements regarding the matter, claiming that such actions damage Nigeria’s reputation. NAGET further stated that if the senator continues to challenge the suspension publicly, it may call for an extension of the disciplinary measure.
The controversy has also drawn the attention of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), an international organization that promotes cooperation among parliaments. According to NAGET, the IPU has committed to hearing all sides before making any conclusions.
As the debate rages on, political analysts believe the issue will test the Senate’s credibility and its approach to internal discipline, as well as broader concerns about gender representation and harassment allegations within Nigeria’s political institutions.
About Author
