Senate Plenary session
****Warns Against Unjust Suspension
A coalition of Nigerian women under the banner of the Concerned Women Group has strongly condemned the recent decision by the Senate to summon Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before a disciplinary panel.
The group describes the move as a calculated attempt to silence one of the few female voices in the National Assembly and warns against any unjust suspension of the Kogi Central senator.
The controversy erupted during a Senate plenary session on February 20, 2025, when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reassignment of her seat, an action she perceived as an effort to marginalize her.
In response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred her to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for investigation, directing the committee to submit its findings within two weeks.
The Concerned Women Group views this development as part of a broader pattern of intimidation against women in politics. In a statement, the group expressed outrage, arguing that rather than fostering an inclusive legislative environment, the Senate leadership is stifling dissenting voices, particularly those of female lawmakers.
“It is unacceptable that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who speaks boldly for her people and addresses critical national issues, is being targeted for simply performing her constitutional duties,” the statement reads. “Such actions undermine Nigeria’s democracy and reinforce the exclusion of women from decision-making.”
The group warned that any attempt to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan would be met with strong resistance, vowing to mobilize a nationwide protest if necessary.
They called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu to intervene and prevent what they described as political victimization.
Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken legal action against Senate President Akpabio, filing a N1.3 billion defamation lawsuit over alleged defamatory statements made against her. The lawsuit adds another layer of tension to the unfolding political drama.
The Concerned Women Group emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy thrives on diverse representation and urged the Senate to focus on addressing pressing national challenges rather than silencing elected representatives.