Women group: Natasha Akpoti saga may affect female inclusion in politics

The Nigerian Women Crusade for Good Governance says the saga involving Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, may affect female inclusion in politics.

The group asked Akpoti-Uduaghan to apologise to the senate and Godswill Akpabio, its presiding officer.

BACKGROUND

On February 28, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her. She subsequently submitted a petition against the senate president.

The allegation was preceded by an altercation between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio at the upper legislative chamber on February 20 over seating arrangement.

The Kogi senator disrupted the plenary by rejecting her assigned seat, defying Akpabio’s order, and repeatedly raising a point of order despite being overruled.

Subsequently, the senate referred Akpoti-Uduaghan to the committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions for disciplinary review.

The senate suspended the Kogi senator on March 6 following the adoption of a report by the committee.

On March 5, Akpoti-Uduaghan had ignored the invitation from the committee probing her outburst against the senate president.

On Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan reported Akpabio to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

‘IT MAY AFFECT WOMEN INCLUSION’

Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Abuja, Cecilia Ikechukwu, the group’s coordinator, called for a quick resolution of the saga, saying it may undermine the efforts of women striving for inclusion in governance.

“Women have fought tirelessly for inclusion in governance, proving their competence and capability,” Ikechukwu said.

“However, Senator Natasha’s actions cast a shadow over this collective effort.

“We remain dedicated to good governance and will not allow one individual’s behaviour to overshadow the achievements of women in politics.

“We sincerely apologize to the Senate President and all Nigerians for this unfortunate incident.”

She said women in politics should uphold the values and respect the rules of organisations or bodies they belong to.

Ikechukwu advised women to continue “demonstrating excellence and integrity, ensuring that the actions of one individual do not tarnish the progress made in increasing women’s participation in governance”.