NeWSD Condemns Illegal and Unjust Suspension of Senator Natasha
From Our Reporter
The Network of Women for Sustainable Development (NeWSD) has strongly condemned the illegal and unjust suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate for six months.
This action, taken without due process, represents a grave violation of democratic norms and constitutes a deliberate attempt to silence a courageous voice advocating for justice, equity, and transparency.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents 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 her suspension, effective March 6, 2025, citing alleged misconduct. However, legal analysts and civil society groups have criticized this 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.”
– Section 39(1): “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 stands in unwavering solidarity with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Her suspension is not only a personal affront but also a blow to the collective voice of women advocating for a more inclusive and just society.
Dr. Salamatu Jidda-Fada, the founder and director of NeWSD, 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.”
Additionally, Dr. Jophia Gupar, President of the Pan African Young Women Development Initiative, emphasized that this issue transcends Senator Natasha; it is about ensuring that women in politics are not intimidated into silence.
NeWSD echoes this 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.
