Former vice president of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, and the candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, have criticized the Senate over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The Senate imposed a six-month suspension on the lawmaker without pay over what it called the breach of its Standing Orders following her claim of sexual harassment, an allegation that Akpabio denied.
Speaking through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku stated that Nigerian leaders are not creating an environment that enables women to thrive and contribute to the country’s development.
Atiku expressed concern over the Senate’s decision against Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling it an attack on affirmative action.
He stated, “Has there been an investigation? No. So, Atiku’s position hasn’t changed. Whichever way you look at this, there is a concern. Any society that does not optimally use the assets available to it, particularly by giving women the opportunity to thrive, is failing.
“About half of our population is women, and if we don’t deliberately create an environment conducive to promoting women’s interests—whether in politics, business, or any other human endeavor—we are underutilizing our potential.
“We’re not providing half of our population the opportunities to thrive and add value to society. With International Women’s Day coming up on March 8, it raises serious concerns. The Senate’s action of suspending Natasha for six months without conducting an investigation is an attack on affirmative action.”
On his part, Obi, who spoke through his former media aide and the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Tanko Yunusa, also frowned on the development.
“The situation is quite disappointing,” he lamented.
