From Rashidat Suleiman, Minna
The Network of Women for
Sustainable Development (NeWSD) has strongly condemns the illegal and unjust suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate for six months.
Network of Women for Sustainable
Development said The action which was taken without due process, represents a
grave violation of democratic norms and a deliberate attempt to silence a courageous voice advocating for
justice, equity, and transparency.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District, was suspended following
her protest during a Senate plenary session over the reassignment of her seat.
The Senate Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions recommended the
suspension, effective March 6, 2025, citing alleged misconduct.
However, legal analysts and civil society groups have criticized the decision, describing it as unconstitutional and procedurally flawed.
It is important to emphasize that this suspension violates the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of
the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended),
particularly:
- Section 36(1): “In the determination of his civil
rights and obligations, including any question or
determination by or against any government or
authority, a person shall be entitled to a fair hearing within a reasonable time by a court or
other tribunal established by law and constituted in
such manner as to secure its independence and
impartiality.”
While Section 39(1): said that “Every person shall be entitled to
freedom of expression, including freedom to hold
opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.”
As the world marks International Women’s Day, a
time to honor women’s contributions and reaffirm gender parity, NeWSD said they stands in unwavering
solidarity with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Adding that Her suspension is not only a personal affront but a blow to the collective voice of women fighting for a more inclusive and just society.
The founder and director of NeWSD, Dr. Salamatu Jidda-Fada, Founder stated:
“The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan is a gross miscarriage of justice and a direct affront to democratic principles and constitutional rights.
We stand unequivocally with her and call for her immediate reinstatement. This is about defending democracy and protecting the voices of women in leadership.”
Also the President of the Pan African Young Women Development Initiative Dr. Jophia Gupar, emphasized that “the issue which transcends Senator Natasha, it’s
about ensuring that women in politics are not intimidated into silence.
NeWSD however echoes it’s concern and urges all Nigerians, especially women and progressive allies to rise against this injustice and defend the sanctity of our democratic institutions while calling for the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.