By Henry Ovie
Women from the Niger Delta region have strongly condemned the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as “silly and callous.”
In a statement issued in Calabar on Wednesday, the Niger Delta Women Forum (NDWF) decried what they called rising human rights abuses and growing disregard for women in Nigeria’s political space.
Chairperson of the forum, Mrs. Comfort Bassey, lambasted the Senate leadership, accusing it of fostering dictatorship and suppression of dissenting voices. She further criticized the Senate President, claiming that his leadership style is causing division and distress in the upper chamber.
“The presiding officer is difficult and dictatorial. He is well known for his contemptuous, dismissive, and sarcastic ways. His leadership style is tearing the Senate apart,” the statement read.
The women’s group demanded an immediate reversal of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, arguing that her removal from Senate proceedings is not only unfair but also an attack on women’s participation in governance.
An Inspiration to Women
The women hailed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s courage, commending her efforts in improving the lives of Kogi Central residents and standing firm in the face of adversity.
“Your courage is an inspiration to all of us,” the statement read.
They further accused certain male political officeholders of violating women’s rights and promoting political betrayal and despotism.
“The Senate should not be a place where leaders get away with being mean and nasty,” they added, condemning what they described as a culture of cruelty, injustice, and oppression.
The Niger Delta women concluded their statement by urging the Senate leadership to listen to the voice of reason and restore fairness and justice in Nigeria’s legislative processes.