Senate President Godswill Akpabio has made an impassioned appeal to Nigerian politicians, urging them not to allow the controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) to deter the appointment of women to high-ranking political positions.
Speaking during a plenary session on Thursday, Akpabio expressed concern that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s approach to her grievances could set a dangerous precedent, making it harder for women to rise in leadership.
“When this issue began, she initially brought it to the Senate through a petition but did not allow the chamber to deliberate on it before taking it to court. Even then, she did not allow the court to address it before escalating the matter to the international community,” Akpabio stated.
Drawing a global comparison, he added, “Imagine if such an allegation were made against former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris—it would create a precedent where no woman would ever be chosen as vice president again.”
Despite his sharp criticism, Akpabio pleaded for fairness, emphasizing that the actions of one individual should not be used to judge all women in politics.
“I have four daughters, and I want to plead with politicians to still give them and other women a chance. The sins of one should not be used to punish others,” he urged.
Akpabio further condemned Akpoti-Uduaghan for taking her grievances to global platforms, particularly her recent address at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in New York, where she allegedly presented a misleading narrative about Nigeria’s political landscape.
“I am aware that after she left the chamber, she went to Brekete Radio and Arise Television to distort the facts. She has now externalized the matter, attempting to embarrass Nigeria before the international community by presenting a false narrative at the IPU UN event,” Akpabio alleged.
He, however, expressed gratitude to Rt. Hon. Kafilat Okpara for countering Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims in New York, calling on the international community to avoid misrepresenting Nigeria based on one-sided allegations.
Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan has refused to back down, taking legal steps against Akpabio and three other Senate officials for allegedly disregarding a valid court order.
In Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, she is listed as the plaintiff, while the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the President of the Senate, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, Senator Neda Imasuem are named as the first to fourth defendants and alleged contemnors.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu had previously issued an ex-parte order on March 4, 2025, restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from taking disciplinary action against her. The judge ruled that:
“Any action taken during the pendency of this suit is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.”
Despite this ruling, the Senate proceeded with disciplinary measures, suspending Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over alleged misconduct. The decision included sealing her office and ordering her to hand over all Senate property in her possession to the Clerk of the National Assembly for the duration of the suspension.
The suspension stemmed from a February 20 confrontation between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio, which led to an investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (Edo South).
This escalating battle between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan raises critical questions about the treatment of women in Nigerian politics. While Akpabio insists that one case should not define women’s leadership potential, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal battle highlights the difficulties women face in asserting their political rights.
As the controversy deepens, all eyes are now on the court’s next move and the broader implications this political storm will have on gender representation in Nigeria’s governance.
PIONEER NEWS 