Activist Aisha Yesufu and former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili have strongly criticized the Senate for suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months.
The Senate’s decision came after Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seat reassignments, which led to her accusing him of making unwanted advances toward her. The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges dismissed her petition against Akpabio, citing procedural breaches.
Following the suspension, Yesufu and Ezekwesili voiced their outrage, calling the move an abuse of power.
In a series of posts on her X handle, Ezekwesili condemned the Senate’s actions, saying, “All sensible Nigerians have collectively asked the Senate to do is investigate the accusation of sexual harassment, but instead, they chose the ignoble path.” She praised Akpoti-Uduaghan’s composure during the proceedings, adding, “She sat dignified to the end, in a room filled with men who collectively bullied her for daring to speak up for herself. Nigerian women and all real men of goodwill should draw profound inspiration from her stoicism.”
Aisha Yesufu also expressed her support for Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing the Senate of injustice. “The Nigerian Senate is full of slaves, not lawmakers. Senator Natasha stood on business and she will not stand alone. The battle line has been drawn! Equity and justice will always trump tyranny and injustice. It just takes time,” she posted.
The Senate’s decision includes barring Akpoti-Uduaghan from legislative activities starting March 6, 2025, and instructing her to return all Senate properties. She is also prohibited from identifying as a senator during the suspension and has been asked to submit a written apology as a condition for pardon.
However, her aides were exempted from the suspension of salaries following an amendment pushed by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. “We cannot punish the aides of Senator Natasha for an offence they did not commit. They are staff of the National Assembly and have no other means of livelihood apart from the salaries they earn from the Senate,” Kalu stated.
Meanwhile, the First Lady and former senator, Oluremi Tinubu, said the Senate was handling the sexual harassment allegations “appropriately” and urged lawmakers to maintain the chamber’s integrity.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, rejected the suspension, insisting, “This injustice will not stand.” Her microphone was disconnected as she vowed to keep fighting for justice.
