The federal government has pledged to mediate the ongoing leadership crisis within the National Assembly following the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim, made this known on Friday during the Meet-the-Press Programme at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, stating that discussions were underway to ensure a fair resolution.
“We are engaging all stakeholders to ensure that justice is served fairly. It is an unfortunate incident that should not have happened,” she stated. “We do not want to see a decline in female representation in the Senate, and we will work to mediate peace between all parties involved.”
Natasha was suspended on Thursday by the Senate after having an altercation with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over seating arrangement.
Following the altercation, the matter was referred to the Ethics committee to probe her for flouting the rules of the senate.
She later took to Arise TV to accuse the senate president of sexually harassing her, citing this as a reason he was victimising her.
She submitted a formal petition to the senate in this regard.
When her matter came up before the Ethics committee, Natasha failed to show up.
Her petition on sexual harassment was thrown out for procedural error.
The committee later recommended a six-month suspension for the senator. This was endorsed by the Senate.
Her suspension has since sparked outrage, particularly from women’s rights groups and governance advocacy coalitions.
Several women-led organizations, including the Coalition for Women in Governance and Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ), have decried the Senate’s decision as a blatant attack on democracy and an attempt to silence women in leadership.
Zainab Mohammed, a leader of the coalition, condemned the suspension, describing it as a violation of a court order that had barred any disciplinary action against Natasha.
“The Senate’s decision is not just an injustice against one woman; it is an attack on the democratic rights of the people she represents. This sets a dangerous precedent,” she stated. The coalition has threatened to mobilize a mass protest if the suspension is not reversed.
Dr. Jophia Gupar, President of the Pan African Young Women Development Initiative, stressed that the issue goes beyond Natasha as an individual but speaks to the broader challenge of women facing intimidation in leadership roles.
“The actions of these senators discourage women from speaking up about harassment. If we do not challenge this, it sends a message that women should remain silent when victimized,” Gupar remarked.
Amid the backlash, an online petition demanding Senate President Akpabio’s resignation has gained traction.
Launched by the Purple Women Foundation, the petition has amassed over 13,000 signatures as of Friday.
The petition demands that Akpabio step down immediately to allow for an impartial investigation into the allegations against him.
It further calls for accountability and justice for survivors of sexual harassment in public office.
Meanwhile, a socio-cultural group from Akpabio’s home state, Afe Annang, has voiced support for a more severe penalty against Natasha.
The group’s leader, His Majesty Obong Blaise Awakama, suggested that Natasha’s constituents should recall her from the Senate, arguing that her conduct has discredited the institution.
“We believe her suspension is not enough. Her constituents should recall her and replace her with someone better suited for the role,” Awakama stated during a press briefing in Akwa Ibom.
The group also warned against what they termed an attempt to use false claims of sexual harassment as a political tool against Akpabio.
As the controversy unfolds, calls for Natasha’s reinstatement and a fair hearing continue to mount.
WIMBIZ, in a statement, emphasized the need for due process, stating that the lawmaker had been denied the opportunity to defend herself against the allegations leveled against her.
“As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, we call on the authorities to address this issue with fairness and transparency,” the statement read.
The coming days will determine whether the Federal Government’s intervention will lead to a resolution or if women’s groups will take to the streets in protest against what they perceive as an unjust and politically motivated decision.
