Minister Calls For Calm Amid Senate Suspension Controversy

The Women Affairs Minister, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, has stepped in to help resolve the controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension from the Senate.

The minister has offered to facilitate a dialogue between the Senate and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to find an amicable solution.

The suspension has sparked intense debate, with critics arguing that the Senate exceeded its authority by suspending the senator for more than 14 days.

Some have cited previous court judgments, such as those involving Senators Ali Ndume and Ovie Omo-Agege, which ruled that legislative suspensions exceeding 14 days are unlawful.

Meanwhile, others have defended the Senate’s decision, stating that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics and did not show respect to the Senate President.

The controversy has also raised concerns about women’s representation in governance and the need to address sexual harassment allegations.

The Women Affairs Minister emphasized the importance of increasing women’s participation in politics and ensuring that they have a stronger voice in decision-making.

In a related development, over 300 women groups have condemned Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s alleged sexist remarks against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, demanding an unconditional apology.