The Federal Government has waded into the crisis surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, assuring that efforts are underway to broker peace between the parties involved.
Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim, speaking at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday, said discussions were ongoing with the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure a resolution.
“We’re engaging all stakeholders to temper justice with mercy,” she stated, barely 24 hours after the 10th Senate handed Akpoti-Uduaghan a six-month suspension.
The senator had earlier accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, an allegation dismissed by the Senate’s ethics committee, which instead sanctioned her for bringing the upper chamber into disrepute.
Women’s Groups, Activists Condemn Suspension
The suspension has sparked outrage among women’s rights groups, who describe it as an attempt to silence women in leadership.
A coalition of organisations, including the Coalition for Women in Governance and Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ), has rejected the suspension, vowing mass protests if it is not reversed.
Zainab Mohammed, a coalition leader, called it a blatant disregard for the rule of law, stating that it violated a court order that halted disciplinary actions against Natasha.
“This is an attack on democracy. The Senate’s decision is not just an injustice against one woman; it is an attack on the democratic rights of her constituents,” Mohammed said.
Similarly, Dr. Jophia Gupar, President of the Pan African Young Women Development Initiative, criticised female senators for failing to support Natasha, warning that the move discourages women from speaking up against harassment.
WIMBIZ also called for a fair hearing for Natasha, stressing that as the world marks International Women’s Day, urgent action is needed to ensure gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Petition Against Akpabio Gains Momentum
A petition demanding Akpabio’s resignation has gained traction, with over 13,000 signatures gathered on change.org as of Friday.
The petition, initiated by the Purple Women Foundation and led by Ireti Bakare-Yusuf, demands Akpabio step aside to allow an unbiased investigation into the allegations.
“We demand a transparent and impartial investigation into the allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,” the petition reads.
Akpabio’s Kinsmen Demand Natasha’s Recall
However, some Annang elders from Akpabio’s home state, under the Afe Annang socio-cultural group, have insisted that suspension is not enough punishment for Natasha.
Speaking in Abak, Akwa Ibom State, the group’s leader, His Majesty Obong Blaise Awakama, called for Natasha’s recall by her constituents, accusing her of tarnishing the image of the Senate.
They also warned against any political plot to remove Akpabio, stating that a false sexual harassment claim should not be used as a tool for political attacks.