Womanifesto, a gender equality movement comprising Nigerian women from various sectors in Nigeria and the diaspora, has expressed concern over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate, describing the situation as an injustice against the female lawmaker.
The group specifically criticised the alleged sexual harassment and misogynistic tendencies she experienced, as well as her subsequent suspension from the Red Chamber.
Speaking through the ‘We Are All Natasha’ (WAAN) coalition under the umbrella of Womanifesto, the group in a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu through the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, during a peaceful rally in Abuja, said its letter was a petition from Nigerian Women, calling for justice and transparency in the matter.
WAAN Coordinator, Ireti Bakare, represented by WAAN Secretary Anuwa-Ikyegh, explained that Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a petition accusing the Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and misogyny. Rather than addressing the serious allegations, the Senate suspended her for six months, claiming she breached Senate rules and ethics.
Anuwa-Ikyegh condemned the decision of the Senate as an attempt to silence the Kogi Central Senator and dismiss her claims without due process.
“We urge Your Excellency to consider our petition and demand justice for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. It is crucial that an independent investigation be conducted into her allegations. Sexual harassment and misogyny should never be tolerated. Those who come forward with such claims must be heard, protected, and not punished. The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is an affront to workplace safety, justice, and fairness,” Anuwa-Ikyegh stated.
Earlier, the Founder of the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, Dorothy Njemanze, condemned the silencing of women in politics. Njemanze emphasised the importance of women’s representation, stating, “If women are not involved, there is no nation.” She urged for more respect for women in politics.
Gloria Osefemi Odiahi, founder of Say No To Violence, also voiced her disapproval of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension. “We believe women deserve a fair hearing. All we want is justice,” Odiahi said, reminding the crowd that March is Women’s Month, a time to reflect on the importance of justice and equality.
The rally marked a powerful show of solidarity among Nigerian women, who expressed frustration over ongoing gender inequality in the country’s political and institutional structures. “You may suspend one today, but you cannot suspend all of us,” Odiahi warned, calling for reforms in how women are treated in the Senate and beyond.
The rally concluded with the chant, “We are all Natasha,” underscoring the ongoing fight for justice, fairness, and respect for women’s rights in Nigeria. WAAN remains committed to advocating for change, ensuring that women’s voices are heard, respected, and protected in all areas of Nigerian society.
The rally gathered hundreds of supporters and sought to raise awareness of the injustices women face in the Nigerian Senate, particularly focusing on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension following her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Akpabio.
