The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months from the Nigerian Senate has been described as a reminder of the challenges women face in Nigeria.
Her suspension is also said to have been done hastily, without a transparent investigation.
DAILY POST recalls that Senator Natasha had petitioned the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions over alleged sexual harassment by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Reacting, Comrade Jacob Pwakim Choji, Immediate Past Assistant Secretary, Women Peace and Security Network, Plateau State, said, “The case of Senator Natasha and the Senate President is a stark reminder of the challenges women face in Nigeria, whether in leadership roles traditionally dominated by men, in seeking justice for abuses, or in advocating for protection, equity, and career advancement.”
According to him, “Ordinarily, we would refrain from taking sides, but the hasty manner in which the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions recommended her six-month suspension raises serious concerns.
“This is not just about one senator it is about the systemic barriers that continue to suppress women’s voices in leadership and victimise those who seek justice.
“Violating Senate rules should not be considered more serious than allegations of sexual harassment involving the third-highest-ranking official in Nigeria. If anything, a transparent investigation into the harassment claims should have taken precedence”, he maintained.”
Choji, who was the immediate past chairman of Plateau Peace Practitioners Network further asked, “Why was Senator Natasha suspended so hastily without a transparent investigation? What was the urgency? The lack of openness raises serious suspicions— what is being hidden?
“I saw the enthusiasm with which the Senate President and his allies declared that the senator ‘ceases to be’ a member of the Senate.
“If our laws allow such unchecked power, then we must demand urgent constitutional reforms to prevent legislative overreach—reforms that protect against abuses by those who may weaponise the law against their targets, whether they are sexual predators, ethnic jingoists, or male chauvinists.
“To me, this is a clear case of autocracy, oppression, concealment, and abuse of power. In fact, this raises a bigger question—do we even need a bicameral legislature?
“Many senators appear to be nothing more than ‘yes or no’ figures, occupying public office for personal enrichment.
“Where are the quality debates? What meaningful contributions have they made? I even doubt whether my senator has ever spoken on the floor.
“To those both men and women who are quick to dismiss Senator Natasha’s reaction as ‘dramatic,’ let’s be clear: women have every right to react when their privacy is invaded.
“When a woman openly challenges a superior in a space known for political correctness, it often means a serious line has been crossed. Let’s not be selective in our outrage.
“Where are the women-led organisations, gender activists, feminists, the so-called HeForShe movement, the Bring Back Our Girls advocates, democracy advocates, legal practitioners, and other civil society organisations?
“There is work to be done; unless, of course, all our activism is just lip service or a mere quest for popularity and attention.
“Where are the loud voices that claim to champion justice? Is silence now the price of political convenience simply because a powerful man is involved or because he belongs to your political party? Activism should be undiluted, not selective.”
“This is not just a gender issue; it is a test of our democracy. Where are the legal experts, civil society groups, and those who claim to stand for justice and accountability?
“This is not just about Senator Natasha or even about the Nigerian Senate; it is about the rights and dignity of every Nigerian both men and women”, he stressed.
Natasha’s suspension stark reminder of challenges women face in Nigeria – Activist
