Restore Natasha’s Rights, Privileges, Ezekwesili Tells Senate

Former Minister of Education, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has urged the Nigerian Senate to fully restore the rights and privileges of the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing her earlier suspension as unjust and discriminatory.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Ezekwesili said the lawmaker’s return to the Senate after a six-month suspension should serve as an opportunity for the National Assembly to correct what she called “a grave mistake.”

“It is time for your leadership and members to do the right thing — end all forms of harassment or targeting against her,” she wrote.

“Senator Natasha’s suspension is seen by all reasonable Nigerians as an act of injustice — one that went far beyond the bounds of fair discipline.”

Ezekwesili said Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had become “a symbol of fortitude and resilience necessary to fight injustice perpetrated against citizens by those who abuse public power.”

She called on the Senate to stop all “silent punishments” and reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan’s full privileges as a lawmaker.

“Restore her full rights and privileges as a Senator — her office, her staff, her committee roles, and her right to speak freely in the chamber must be available for her to fully function,” she added.

The former minister cum activist further challenged the 10th Senate to set a higher standard of fairness and transparency in handling internal matters.

“Set a better example. The Senate must prove it can handle all matters involving individual members with maturity and not weaponize public power to unjustly punish the aggrieved,” she said.

“Show respect for the people’s mandate. Senator Natasha represents the people of Kogi Central. To target her any further is to disrespect the will of her voters.”

Ezekwesili noted that the issue transcends Akpoti-Uduaghan’s personal case, saying it represents a test of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic values and gender equality.

“This is not only about Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. It is about what kind of democracy Nigeria wants to build — one where no one is punished for standing up for the truth, and where women can lead without fear of bias or bullying,” she wrote.

She concluded by urging the Senate to demonstrate integrity and restraint moving forward.

“Nigerians are watching, and history will remember whether the Senate chose vindictiveness or justice,” she said.

LEADERSHIP reports that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) returned to the Senate two weeks ago after serving a six-month suspension following a face-off with the Senate leadership earlier this year.