“Reinstate Natasha as senator immediately” -Advocacy group warns Senate

Advocacy group FixPolitics has criticized the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as a suppression of democratic representation and a reflection of systemic gender bias in Nigerian politics.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended following her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which were dismissed on procedural grounds by the Senate’s ethics committee.

In a statement, FixPolitics Executive Director, Anthony Ubani, condemned the Senate’s decision, arguing that the suspension silences Akpoti-Uduaghan and disenfranchises the people of Kogi Central, denying them their constitutional right to representation.

He also pointed out that the number of female senators has declined by nearly 50%, from seven in the 9th Assembly to just four in the 10th Assembly, warning that the suspension sets a dangerous precedent that could deter more women from participating in politics.

Ubani accused the Senate of defying previous judicial rulings on similar issues, raising concerns about its commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and legislative integrity.

FixPolitics emphasized that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension is emblematic of the systemic misogyny that women face in Nigerian politics.

The group stressed that her removal is unconstitutional, as it effectively disenfranchises an entire senatorial district, contradicting the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The advocacy group demanded the immediate reinstatement of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and called on the Senate to uphold justice, transparency, and accountability.

The group also urged the Senate to ensure thorough and impartial investigations into serious allegations and respect court rulings that protect elected representatives and their constituents.