NiDCC president calls for reinstatement of Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan
The President, Nigerians in Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (NiDCC), Ms Patience Ndidi Key, has called for the immediate reinstatement of suspended Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Senate.
Key who made the call on Monday in Abuja, was reacting to Senate’s suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan after her allegation of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio.
The Senate Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions Committee had on March 6, recommended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension for six months.
According to Key, the senate should establish an independent panel to investigate the allegation thoroughly and impartially.
Key, the only female candidate in the 2024 Edo Governorship election, said that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension raised fundamental concerns about justice, gender equity, due process and the abuse of power in the nation’s democracy.
She said that at the two major issues – the handling of the sexual harassment allegation and the “weaponisation” of the senate rules to silence opposition were the major focus of the controversy.
Key said that though the senate’s standing orders specified that senators must speak from their assigned seats, use of technicalities to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan while ignoring more severe violations by other senators, was a display of a selective justice.
“This development raises serious concerns about the future of women in Nigerian politics.
”If a sitting senator can be suspended and silenced for speaking up, what hope is there for ordinary Nigerian women who suffer harassment and intimidation daily?
“Sexual harassment is a serious crime and it must never be trivialised, ignored or used as a political tool. However, timing matters.
“Victims of harassment must speak up immediately and follow due process to ensure that the law takes its course.
“Delayed investigation weakens the credibility of the claim and gives room for political manipulation.
“Silence empowers abusers. If any Nigerian, whether male or female, is subjected to harassment, they must report it immediately, demand justice and ensure accountability.”
Key advised the senate to prioritise addressing challenges in the health sector, youth unemployment and economic crisis facing the country.
She said that the entire episode proved that Nigeria’s political system needs a radical transformation.
Key, a Presidential Aspirant in 2023 and former Chairman, Board of Directors, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas, USA, also called for immediate review of the Senate Disciplinary Procedures.
“The current disciplinary mechanisms must be reviewed to prevent abuse of power and ensure equal treatment of all members, regardless of their gender or political stance.
“I also call for serious commitment to gender equity in politics. Nigeria needs more women in governance.
“The silencing of female voices in leadership must end. Women in politics must be protected, empowered and given the respect they deserve.”
Key also advised Nigerians to hold their senators accountable, demand transparency, justice and leadership, while urging victims of harassment to speak up.
According to her, the strength of Nigeria’s democracy lies in the citizens’ commitment to justice, equality and the rule of law.
“The current situation involving Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan serves as a critical test of these principles.
“It is incumbent upon the senate to act justly, ensuring that all members are protected from harassment and that due process is upheld without bias.
“Only through such actions can we build a legislative body that truly represents and serves the interests of all Nigerians.
“The world is watching; the Nigerian people are watching,” she said.
