Obi Ezekwesili, a former presidential candidate, has called on Nigerian senators to stop harassing Kogi Central legislator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in any way.
According to accounts, Natasha served a six-month suspension before returning to the Senate two weeks ago.
In a memo addressed to the Nigerian Senate and its 107 senators, Ezekwesili claimed that the lawmaker had come to represent the strength and tenacity required to combat injustice committed against citizens by those who misuse their position of authority.
She said that the troubled lawmaker’s suspension was unjustified since she was making demands of the Senate members.
“It is time for your leadership and members to do the right thing—end all forms of harassment or targeting against her,” she wrote in a statement via 𝕏.
All sane Nigerians believe that Senator Natasha’s suspension was unfair and went well beyond what was appropriate in terms of discipline.
It conveyed the incorrect idea that a woman who speaks up and defends her beliefs could be intimidated or silenced by the Senate.
Therefore, the Senate has an opportunity to rectify that error and demonstrate to the public that it can maintain equity and respect for each elected official by rehiring Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Put an end to all conflicts and silent penalties. She must no longer be subjected to attempts to marginalize, irritate, or degrade her for merely carrying out her duties.
“Restore all of her senatorial rights and privileges.” In order for her to perform to the best of her abilities, she needs access to her office, personnel, committee responsibilities, and the freedom to speak in the chamber.
“Be a better role model. The Senate must demonstrate that it is capable of managing any issues involving specific members in a responsible manner and refraining from unfairly using its authority to punish those who have wronged them.
Respect the mandate of the people. Kogi Central residents are represented by Senator Natasha. It would be disrespectful to her voters’ will to continue to criticize her.
“This is not just about Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as I have maintained since the beginning of this saga,” she continued.
It is about the type of democracy Nigeria hopes to establish—one in which women may hold positions of leadership without worrying about prejudice or harassment, and one in which no one faces consequences for speaking up.
“The Senate must keep in mind that the best way to demonstrate power is not by threats but rather through openness, equity, moderation, and responsibility.
“The Senate has the opportunity to make amends by treating Senator Natasha with the same respect and decency as all other members.
In order to determine whether our highest legislative body sets an example, citizens will primarily evaluate the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria based on how it responds to the substantive issue of her accusation against the Senate President moving ahead.
Many of her coworkers now have a new opportunity to take advantage of this and finally be heard when they demand that “the injustice shall not be sustained.”
“History will remember whether the Senate opted for justice or retaliation, and Nigerians are watching.”
