UPDATED: No Nigerian Senator opposed Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan 6-months’ suspension

All serving senators in Nigeria declined to support Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as she was suspended for six months.

The embattled Senator, who is of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), failed to secure a single vote from any senator from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and all the opposition parties, when a voice vote for her suspension was called.

The suspension stems from her alleged misconduct and violation of Senate Standing Rules.

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions found her guilty of breaching legislative protocols, specifically regarding her protest over the reallocation of her seat in the chamber and her public statements.

As part of her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan will face severe consequences, including immediate suspension from all legislative activities starting March 6, 2025.

She must also submit a written apology before the Senate considers lifting or reducing her suspension.

Furthermore, her office will be locked, and she will be required to return all Senate properties.

She will be barred from entering the National Assembly premises, and her salaries, allowances, and security details will be suspended.

Additionally, she will be prohibited from representing herself publicly as a senator during the suspension.

The implications of this suspension are profound, leaving Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents without representation in the Senate for six months.

This may lead to disillusionment and disenfranchisement among her constituents.

Natasha kicks

Few minutes after being suspended, she attempted to speak but her mic was switched off.

She said “this injustice will not be sustained” before her microphone was turned off.

Groups protest decision

Meanwhile, a group, Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (View) has condemned the action.

According to a statement by the group, the Senate’s action against Akpoti once again highlights the systemic suppression of women’s voices in Nigerian politics.

VIEW stated that the development is not an isolated case but part of a disturbing pattern of gender-based intimidation that must be interrogated and challenged.

It said: “This follows previous instances where the Senate President has demonstrated disregard for Akpoti-Uduaghan and other women in leadership, a trend that the VIEW and other advocates for gender inclusion have consistently condemned.”

The group stressed that the continued harassment of the Senator representing Kogi Central in the Senate is emblematic of a broader culture where women who demand accountability and equity are met with hostility rather than respect.

The statement said: “It is unacceptable that female lawmakers must constantly fight not just for policies and representation but for the fundamental right to be heard and respected.

“Why is it that the Senate President cannot engage with Akpoti-Uduaghan without resorting to condescension and dismissal?

“A leader in his position should be able to engage in discourse with respect and fairness rather than resorting to outright disregard and intimidation.”

While reaffirming the urgent need for systemic change, the VIEW reiterates its strong condemnation of the Senate President’s actions, demanding accountability for his behaviour.

Also, the founder of a civil society group, Women of Substance for Development and Skill Empowerment Initiative, Karen Chinyere James, in an interview in Awka, Anambra State, described Akpabio’s alleged actions as a direct affront to gender equality and democracy.

She said: “We, the Women of Substance for Development and Skill Empowerment Initiative, want to pass this as a warning to Akpabio: Stop making women in politics feel lesser. We are the mothers of Nigeria and the world. If we didn’t give birth to you, you wouldn’t be on that chair today.”

She stressed that continued disregard for female lawmakers would not be tolerated, warning of decisive actions should such behaviour persist.

She alleged that the posture of the Senate President stemmed from an on-site number of women legislators if compared to that of their male counterparts.

While calling for an apology to the female lawmaker, the group’s founder noted that what Natasha-Uduaghan passed through was a disheartening and harrowing experience not just for her but other women in or outside the legislative chamber.

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