A coalition of women from Edo State has publicly called upon Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, to issue an apology to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Nigerian populace. This appeal was made during a peaceful protest held in Benin City.
The demonstration was spearheaded by Hon. Barr. Itohan Osahon, the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial women leader for Edo South. Representing Governor Monday Okpebholo, who was absent due to official duties, the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Musa Ikhilor, received the protesting women.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Osahon stated, “We are concerned women of Edo State, and we are not comfortable with what is going on at the red chamber. Natasha is not the only woman in the senate, and the senate is not about sexual harassment.” She further emphasized,
“She was suspended because she violated the rules of the Senate, and she is manipulating the whole issue against Sen. Godswill Akpabio. Senator Natasha has been suspended for six months for disobeying the senate rules, not for sexual harassment,” she added.
Osahon expressed concern that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was misusing her position, stating, “We don’t want her to abuse the opportunity given to her to serve her people. Our First Lady was once a senator and was there for years, and such an issue was not experienced. We have had many women in the Senate and House of Representatives, and we have not had issues like this.”
She criticized the senator’s actions, adding, “Traveling all around the world, disgracing the country, making us the laughing stock and making a whole lot of noise about the issue. She should just apologize to the Senate. Edo State women are women who respect tradition and respect our men. She should not drag us to the mud.” Osahon concluded by demanding, “Our demand is that Natasha should be called to order, and sentiments should not come to play, and she should respect the rules of the Senate.”
Mrs. Rosemary Elawure, President of Senior Citizens of Edo State, affirmed that the protest was a show of support for Senate President Akpabio.
She alleged that “Sen. Natasha lied against Sen. Akpabio and that she was not the only senator whose seat was changed in the red chamber.” The women’s demonstration underscores the ongoing controversy surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and its ramifications within the Nigerian political landscape.
