Federal Government Intervenes in Suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Senator Godswill Akpabio, right, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, left.

The Federal Government has responded to the controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating that efforts are underway to mediate peace between the parties involved.

This development follows the Senate's decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months after she alleged sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim, disclosed that the government is engaging with the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure a fair resolution.

“We’re engaging all stakeholders to ensure that justice is tempered with mercy,” she stated.

The dispute originated in February when Akpoti-Uduaghan had a disagreement with the Senate leadership over a change in seating arrangements. She later made public allegations of sexual harassment and denial of her rights, leading to legal action against the Senate President.

Suleiman-Ibrahim described the situation as unfortunate and emphasized the importance of protecting women's representation in politics.

“It’s an unfortunate incident that should not have happened. In the last assembly, there were nine female senators. We do not want to see a decline in women's representation in the Senate,” she said.

She further stated that the Senate President had expressed willingness to resolve the matter through dialogue.

“I was at the National Assembly during the International Women’s Day event, and the Senate President emphasized that they are open to brokering peace,” she said.

The minister reiterated the government's commitment to mediating the situation and fostering cooperation between male and female lawmakers for a more inclusive political environment.