FG Moves to Resolve Senate Crisis as Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension Sparks Outrage, Protests, and Petition Against Akpabio
The Federal Government has announced its intention to mediate in the ongoing leadership crisis in the National Assembly following the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim, disclosed this on Friday during a media briefing at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. She assured that efforts were being made to engage relevant stakeholders to seek a resolution.
“We’re brokering peace and urging all parties to temper justice with mercy,” Suleiman-Ibrahim stated, emphasizing the need for unity and fairness in the legislative process.
Natasha’s Suspension Sparks Controversy
The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the 10th Senate has sparked widespread condemnation. The lawmaker was suspended for six months after she submitted a petition alleging that she had been sexually harassed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Her petition, initially raised on February 28, was dismissed by the Senate on procedural grounds. The Senate’s ethics committee recommended her suspension, accusing her of bringing the chamber into disrepute.
Reacting to the suspension, Minister Suleiman-Ibrahim described the development as unfortunate, stressing the importance of maintaining female representation in the Senate.
“In the last Assembly, we had nine female senators. We don’t want to lose any woman or see a decline in female participation,” she said. “The Senate President has expressed openness to dialogue, and we will serve as intermediaries to broker peace.”
Women’s Groups Reject Suspension, Threaten Protests
Women’s rights organizations and civil society groups have strongly condemned Natasha’s suspension, calling it an attack on democracy and a deliberate attempt to silence women in leadership.
A coalition under the Coalition for Women in Governance and Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) has vowed to mobilize mass protests if the Senate does not reverse its decision.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, coalition leader Zainab Mohammed decried the Senate’s action, labeling it a blatant disregard for the rule of law.
“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 dangerous precedent sends a message that those who challenge power will be silenced,” Mohammed stated.
She further noted that Natasha’s suspension defied an existing court order that barred any disciplinary action against her.
Similarly, the Pan African Young Women Development Initiative criticized the three female senators for not supporting Natasha. The group’s president, Dr. Jophia Gupar, argued that the issue went beyond Natasha as an individual and affected all women in politics.
“This is about Nigerian women. The silence of other female senators is discouraging for women who seek to speak out when harassed,” Gupar said.
Public Outcry: 13,000 Sign Petition Against Akpabio
Public backlash against the suspension has intensified, with over 13,000 people signing a petition on change.org demanding that Senate President Godswill Akpabio step down to allow for an impartial investigation into the sexual harassment allegations.
The petition, initiated by the Purple Women Foundation, calls for justice and accountability.
“We demand the immediate stepping down of Senate President Godswill Akpabio for a transparent and unbiased investigation into Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations,” the petition reads.
Akpabio’s Kinsmen Demand Natasha’s Recall
Amid the controversy, some members of the Annang socio-cultural group, Akpabio’s kinsmen from Akwa Ibom State, have criticized Natasha’s actions, stating that her suspension was not enough.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abak, His Majesty Obong Blaise Awakama, the Itai Afe Annang, argued that Natasha’s constituents should recall her.
“We are not satisfied with only suspension. I think she should be recalled and given proper orientation,” Awakama stated.
The group also warned against any attempts to remove Akpabio from office, accusing political opponents of using false sexual harassment claims as a tool for blackmail.
The Road Ahead
As tensions rise, the Federal Government’s intervention may determine the outcome of the crisis. While activists and women’s groups push for Natasha’s reinstatement and justice, Akpabio’s supporters stand firm in defending his leadership.
With protests looming and the demand for accountability growing, the coming weeks could shape the future of gender representation and political power dynamics in Nigeria’s National Assembly.
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