FG Steps In as Women’s Groups Threaten Showdown Over Natasha’s Suspension

The Federal Government has announced its intervention in the National Assembly crisis following the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District. The Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim, confirmed the government’s involvement on Friday, stating that efforts were underway to mediate the situation and ensure justice.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Suleiman-Ibrahim expressed concerns over Natasha’s six-month suspension by the 10th Senate, emphasizing that women’s representation in governance must be protected. The senator was suspended after alleging that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had sexually harassed her—a claim she first raised on February 28. However, the Senate dismissed her petition on procedural grounds, arguing that she had brought disrepute to the legislative body.

Suleiman-Ibrahim stated that the situation was unfortunate and pledged to broker peace. She revealed that during a recent visit to the National Assembly, Akpabio had indicated his willingness to discuss a resolution. The minister stressed that it was vital to maintain women’s presence in the Senate and prevent any form of intimidation.

Meanwhile, women’s rights groups have strongly condemned Natasha’s suspension, describing it as an assault on democracy and a move to silence female leaders. A coalition of women’s organizations, including the Coalition for Women in Governance and Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ), has threatened nationwide protests if the Senate does not reverse its decision.

Speaking in Abuja, coalition leader Zainab Mohammed denounced the suspension as illegal, citing a court order that explicitly prohibited any disciplinary action against Natasha. She warned that the Senate’s decision set a dangerous precedent, discouraging women from speaking up against misconduct.

Dr. Jophia Gupar, President of the Pan African Young Women Development Initiative, criticized the three female senators in the upper chamber for failing to stand by Natasha. She argued that the suspension affected all women and discouraged them from calling out harassment in leadership spaces.

WIMBIZ also called for immediate action, noting that Natasha had not been given a fair hearing. The organization highlighted the broader implications for women in leadership and urged authorities to ensure justice. With International Women’s Day being marked under the theme *Accelerate Action*, the group stressed the urgency of addressing gender inequality in governance.

In a separate development, a petition demanding Akpabio’s resignation to allow for an independent investigation into the allegations has gained significant traction. Launched by the Purple Women Foundation, the petition had garnered over 13,000 signatures by Friday. The foundation, led by Ireti Bakare-Yusuf, called for a transparent and impartial inquiry, emphasizing the need for accountability in cases of sexual harassment.

However, in Akwa Ibom State, kinsmen of the Senate President have backed Natasha’s suspension and called for her recall. Speaking in Abak Local Government Area, His Majesty Obong Blaise Awakama, leader of the Afe Annang socio-cultural group, stated that six months was insufficient punishment. He urged Natasha’s constituents to recall her, arguing that her actions had disrespected the Senate.

The group also warned against any attempts to remove Akpabio from office, insisting that false harassment allegations should not be used as a political weapon. They emphasized that every ethnic group had representation in the Senate and that women should not be exploited to defame political leaders.