The Federal Government has intervened in the leadership crisis of the National Assembly following the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim, announced that the government would engage all stakeholders to ensure that justice is tempered with mercy .
The suspension of Natasha sparked widespread outrage, with many condemning the move as an assault on democracy and an attempt to silence women in leadership. A coalition of women groups, including the Coalition for Women in Governance and the Women in Management, Business, and Public Service, threatened to mobilize women for a massive protest if the decision is not reversed .
The coalition’s leader, Zainab Mohammed, described the suspension as a blatant disregard for the rule of law, defying a court order that explicitly halted any disciplinary action against Natasha. Mohammed demanded the immediate reinstatement of Natasha and called on the Senate to respect judicial authority by reversing its decision .
The controversy began when Natasha submitted a petition alleging she had been sexually harassed by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. The Senate dismissed her petition on procedural grounds and recommended her suspension, claiming she had brought ridicule to the upper chamber .
The women affairs minister, however, expressed optimism that the crisis could be resolved through dialogue. She noted that the Senate President had expressed openness to broker peace, and her ministry would act as an intermediary between the two parties .
As the controversy rages on, over 13,000 supporters of Natasha have signed a petition calling on Akpabio to step down for investigation. The petition, initiated by the Purple Women Foundation, demands justice for Natasha and a fair and unbiased investigation into the sexual harassment allegations .
The suspension of Natasha has sparked a national debate on women’s rights, democracy, and the rule of law. As the Federal Government intervenes to resolve the crisis, many are watching to see how the situation unfolds.
By
