Various women groups under the Coalition for Women in Governance have strongly rejected the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as an attack on democracy and an attempt to suppress women in leadership.
The coalition has warned that if the decision is not reversed, they will organize a large-scale protest to demand justice.
The Senate suspended Natasha for six months after she presented a petition on Thursday, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexually harassing her. The decision has sparked outrage among women’s rights groups and activists who believe the action is politically motivated.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Ambassador Zainab Mohammed, a leader of the coalition, strongly criticized the Senate’s decision. She noted that the suspension ignored a court order that had stopped any disciplinary action against Natasha, making it illegal and a threat to democratic values.
Mohammed stated, “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 is a dangerous precedent that sends a message to every Nigerian who dares to challenge power.”
She demanded that Natasha be reinstated immediately and urged the Senate to respect the judiciary by reversing the suspension. Mohammed warned that women would not remain silent while democracy is being weakened.
“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.
Dr. Jophia Gupar, President of the Pan African Young Women Development Initiative, also spoke on the matter, stating that this issue is bigger than Natasha as an individual—it affects all Nigerian women.
She criticized the three other female senators for not standing in support of Natasha, arguing that their silence could discourage women from speaking out against harassment.
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.”
The coalition insists that Natasha’s suspension is unjust and politically motivated. They argue that silencing a female senator in this manner could have long-term effects on women’s participation in politics and governance.
