Women groups under the Coalition for Women in Governance have rejected the suspension of the Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as an assault on democracy and a deliberate attempt to silence women in leadership.
The coalition threatened to mobilise women for a massive protest if the decision was not reversed.
Recent events on the matter show that the Senate suspended Natasha for six months after she submitted a petition on Thursday, alleging she had been sexually harassed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Ambassador Zainab Mohammed, the leader of the coalition, condemned the Senate’s action, calling it a blatant disregard for the rule of law while addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday.
She noted that the suspension defied a court order halting any disciplinary action against Natasha, making the move illegal and a direct attack on democratic principles.
Mohammed said, “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.
She described these moves from the Senate as “a dangerous precedent that sends a message to every Nigerian who dares to challenge power,” and demanded the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha, highlighting the need for the Senate to respect judicial authority by reversing its decision.
“The true test of democracy is not in words but in action. We will not stand by while democracy is undermined. We will take to the streets if necessary to ensure justice prevails,” she added.
The President and Founder of the Pan African Young Women Development Initiative, also under the coalition, Dr. Jophia Gupar, stated that the issue transcends Natasha as an individual and affects all Nigerian women.
She went further to criticise the other female senators for failing to support the Kogi lawmaker.
Gupar said, “It is not about Natasha; it is about Nigerian women. The implication of what these senators are doing is discouraging our women from speaking out when they are harassed.
“I feel sorry for the three other women in the Senate. If they like, let them keep quiet, but what you sow is what you will reap. These senators should know they have daughters. There is the law of karma.”
GI’s Legal Corner
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s ongoing case is quite complex, as it involves allegations of misconduct, sexual harassment, defamation, as well as the role that the courts have played in the matter so far.
Senator Natasha had filed a petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alleging sexual harassment and abuse of office. She has also filed a defamation lawsuit against Akpabio, seeking N1.3 billion in damages over alleged defamatory remarks.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics from proceeding with disciplinary measures against Senator Natasha, citing concerns about fair hearing and due process.
However, this order was clearly disregarded, as the Senate Ethics Committee went ahead to recommend a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha due to alleged misconduct and for disrespecting the Senate and its leadership.
It is essential to note that our laws emphasize the importance of fair hearing, due process, and the protection of fundamental rights. In this case, the court’s ruling highlights the need for the Senate to ensure that Senator Natasha’s rights are respected and that she is given a fair opportunity to defend herself. Thus, the women groups have valid reasons to describe the Senate’s actions as an affront to democracy in the land.
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