Nigeria Women Emancipation: CWIG Mobilizes for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s, Demand an Immediate Reinstatement.
By Raymond Enoch
The Coalition for Women in Governance (CWIG) is sounding the alarm over what it calls an appalling and unlawful suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. In a powerful statement released earlier today in Abuja, the CWIG condemned the Senate’s actions, accusing them of undermining democracy, violating the rule of law, and sending a dangerous message to women in leadership positions in Nigeria.
The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly, has sparked outrage across the nation. According to CWIG, the suspension is not only a direct affront to Akpoti-Uduaghan but also a calculated attack on democratic values and the hard-earned rights of women.
The group is demanding an immediate reinstatement of the senator, as well as the reversal of the Senate’s actions that many view as politically motivated and legally unfounded.
“We stand united in the call for justice and the restoration of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rights,” stated Amb. Zainab Mohammed, a leading voice within CWIG. “This is not just about one woman; it is about every Nigerian Woman and Nigerians who believes in a country where democracy thrives, where the rule of law is respected, and where no one is oppressed.”
The controversy surrounding the senator’s suspension is multifaceted. CWIG argues that the Senate’s decision not only violated the principle of the rule of law but also disregarded a clear court order that had instructed the Senate to halt any disciplinary action against her. Furthermore, the group contends that the Senate exceeded its own procedural limits, imposing a six-month suspension—far beyond the maximum 14-day period stipulated in Senate rules.
“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was duly elected by the people of Kogi Central. Her suspension not only silences her voice but also diminishes the voices of thousands who voted for her,” Amb. Mohammed emphasized.
One of the more alarming aspects of the situation is the potential long-term impact on women’s participation in politics. The CWIG argues that this suspension is part of a larger, worrying pattern of gender-based exclusion in Nigerian politics.
“When a woman in leadership is targeted with such impunity, it sends a chilling message to every young girl who dreams of serving her country,” said Amb. Mohammed. “This is a direct attack on women’s inclusion in governance, and we will not stand idly by.”
In response to the ongoing situation, CWIG is calling on the Senate to respect the judiciary, reinstate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, and ensure that women are empowered to fully participate in leadership roles.
“We cannot allow these actions to set a dangerous precedent,” said Amb. Mohammed. “This is our moment to demand accountability, to show the world that Nigeria is a democracy that upholds justice and equality for all.”
As protests and calls for justice continue to grow, the Coalition for Women in Governance stands firm in its resolve. In a nation that promises liberty and equality, they are calling for the restoration of justice to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan—and to all women in leadership positions across the country.
The question now, according to the CWIG, is whether the Nigerian Senate will heed the call for justice and respect the will of the people, or whether it will continue down a path that undermines democracy and suppresses the voices of its citizens.
Also speaking on the Senator Natasha Akpoti Suspension saga, Dr Jophia Gupar, a member of the coalition condemned in strong terms the act of NASS and called for an immediate retraction of the suspension.
As the nation watches closely, the struggle for justice not only for Women but the voicesless continues—where no man, and no woman, should ever be oppressed.
