The Coalition for Women in Governance and the Women in Management, Business, and Public Service, on Friday, rejected the suspension of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as an assault on democracy and a deliberate attempt to silence women in leadership.
The coalition threatened to mobilize women for a large protest if the decision was not reversed.
Speaking to the press in Abuja on Friday, one of the coalition leaders, Zainab Mohammed, blasted the Senate’s move as a blatant disdain for the rule of law.
Natasha had submitted a petition alleging she had been sexually harassed by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
However, the Akpabio Senate dismissed her petition on procedural grounds as the ethics committee recommended her suspension, saying she had brought ridicule to the upper chamber.
Reacting to the development in the Senate, Mohammed pointed out that the suspension violated a court ruling that specifically prohibited any disciplinary action against Natasha, rendering the measure unconstitutional and a direct attack on democratic ideals.
Mohammed said, “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 requested Natasha’s immediate reinstatement and urged the Senate to respect judicial authority by overturning the decision.
“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 and Founder of the Pan African Young Women Development Initiative, claimed that the issue affected all women, not only Natasha.
She berated the three female senators for failing to support Natasha.
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.”
WIMBIZ also demanded that the authorities take action regarding Natasha’s suspension.
In a statement issued on Friday, the association expressed concern about the incident, which it said highlighted the ongoing challenges that women in leadership face throughout Nigeria.
WIMBIZ said, “First, we are troubled by reports of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan—a female senator facing severe institutional pushback after raising concerns about misconduct. She has not been given a fair hearing, and no investigation has been conducted as far as public knowledge is concerned. But she has been met with punitive measures that effectively silence her and compromise her ability to serve.”
While demanding action, the association requested a fair hearing for Natasha.
WIMBIZ stated that while the globe celebrates International Women’s Day on Saturday under the theme ‘Accelerate Action,’ there is a need for immediate action to achieve gender equality, address the slow pace of progress, and empower women and girls worldwide.
