Minister Of Women Affairs Calls For Mercy In Senate’s Handling Of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hajia Imaan Suleiman, has expressed deep concern over the sexual harassment allegations within the Senate, calling the situation “unfortunate” and urging that such incidents should never happen in the National Assembly.

In response to the controversy, Suleiman has committed to engaging with Senate leadership to facilitate peace and seek an amicable resolution.

She emphasized that losing women from the Senate would be detrimental, noting the need for greater collaboration between female and male politicians.

Suleiman also underscored the urgency of increasing women’s representation in governance, stressing the importance of women having a seat at the table.

Her comments follow the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was sanctioned by the Senate for alleged rules violations after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.

This suspension reduced the number of female senators to just three out of 109 members.

Addressing the press during a briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Suleiman lamented the diminishing presence of women in the legislature.

She pointed out that while the previous assembly had nine female senators, the current one has just four.

“It’s unfortunate, and we don’t want to lose any more women in the Senate or House of Assembly,” Suleiman remarked. “We want to increase the numbers, and we will work to broker peace among all parties involved.”

The Minister further noted that she was in the Senate on Thursday, where International Women’s Day was being celebrated, and said the Senate President had expressed a willingness to resolve the matter, stating, “We’re open to broker peace.”

Suleiman reiterated that her ministry would act as an intermediary to ensure peace prevails and that greater cooperation between men and women in politics is achieved.

She also emphasized the importance of sensitizing women to political engagement and working towards ensuring stronger female representation in Nigeria’s decision-making processes.

“We can’t afford to lose more women in the National Assembly, especially when we are already grossly underrepresented,” she concluded, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to increasing women’s voice in governance.