FG Engages National Assembly Over Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension

The Federal Government has begun negotiations with the National Assembly to resolve the controversy surrounding the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central). Efforts are being made to appeal for leniency and restore calm following the Senate’s decision to suspend the lawmaker.

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Government Seeks Leniency for Suspended Senator

Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, the Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim, confirmed that the government was engaging key stakeholders to intervene in the matter.

“We’re engaging all the stakeholders to ensure that they temper justice with mercy,” Suleiman-Ibrahim told reporters during a Meet-the-Press Programme at the State House.

Her comments came just a day after the Senate handed Akpoti-Uduaghan a six-month suspension, citing allegations that she had brought the Senate to disrepute.

Background of the Suspension

The crisis escalated when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan submitted a petition alleging that she had been sexually harassed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

However, the Senate dismissed her petition on procedural grounds and referred the case to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. The committee later recommended her suspension, arguing that she had ridiculed the Senate.

This decision has sparked outrage and raised concerns about gender representation in Nigerian politics.

‘It’s an Unfortunate Incident’ – Women Affairs Minister

Reacting to the development, Minister Suleiman-Ibrahim expressed regret over the suspension and warned against the decline of female representation in the Senate.

“It’s an unfortunate incident that should not happen. In the last assembly, we had nine women senators. We don’t want to be losing any woman member in the Senate or experiencing a decrease in numbers,” she stated.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering dialogue and finding a peaceful resolution to the situation.

As negotiations continue, political observers and advocacy groups are closely watching how the Federal Government and National Assembly will handle the controversy surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.