As the President of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), I am compelled to condemn in the strongest terms the kangaroo suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan by the Senate Committee. This egregious breach of her fundamental human rights is a stark reminder of the systemic barriers that women face in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The facts are clear: despite an interim 72-hour injunction by the court, the Senate Committee proceeded to sit and recommend Senator Natasha’s suspension, which was subsequently accepted by the Senate. This blatant disregard for the judiciary is a slap in the face of democracy and the rule of law.
We cannot stand idly by while the Senate President continues to demonstrate a lack of emotional intelligence and a blatant disregard for women’s participation in politics. His actions are a stark reminder that women are not welcome as colleagues in the political space.
NILOWV demands that Senator Natasha be reinstated immediately and that the Senate Committee’s decision be overturned. We encourage Senator Natasha to take legal action and challenge the shame of the committee’s decision.
This is not just a matter of Senator Natasha’s individual rights; it is a symptom of a broader systemic problem. The Nigerian Senate’s actions are a mockery of the institution and a sign that there is no truth, transparency, or sincerity in their dealings.
We call on all Nigerian women to stand in solidarity with Senator Natasha and to demand that their rights be respected. We pass a vote of no confidence in the Senate President and demand that he provide an enabling environment for women’s participation in politics.
Furthermore, we insist that the Senate President resigns immediately. It is unacceptable that he remains in office while being implicated in the very petition that led to Senator Natasha’s suspension. He cannot be the judge in his own case.
The time has come for us to demand our rights and to hold our leaders accountable. We will not be silenced, we will not be marginalized, and we will not be ignored. We demand justice, equality, and fairness for all Nigerian women.
As we move forward, we will continue to push for the passage of the 74 Special Seats Bill, which aims to provide a platform for women’s participation in politics. We will not rest until this bill is passed and women have a seat at the table.
To Senator Natasha, we say: we stand with you, we support you, and we will fight for your rights. Do not be discouraged, do not be deterred, and do not give up. You are a shining example of what it means to be a strong, courageous, and determined Nigerian woman.
To the Senate President and the Nigerian Senate, we say: you have failed Nigerian women, you have failed democracy, and you have failed the rule of law. It is time for you to take responsibility for your actions and to make amends.
We will not forget, we will not forgive, and we will not be silenced. We demand justice, equality, and fairness for all Nigerian women.
The Time for Change is Now
We call on all Nigerians to join us in this fight for justice, equality, and fairness. We demand that our leaders take responsibility for their actions and that they provide an enabling environment for women’s participation in politics.
The time for change is now. We will not wait, we will not hesitate, and we will not be deterred. We will fight for our rights, we will fight for justice, and we will fight for equality.
Solidarity Forever
We stand in solidarity with Senator Natasha and with all Nigerian women who have been marginalized, excluded, and oppressed. We will fight for their rights, we will fight for their justice, and we will fight for their equality.
Solidarity forever!
Signed,
Irene Awunah-ikyegh
President, League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV)