Recall that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on Thursday after the Senate Ethics and Values Committee recommended the action, which stemmed from her refusal to accept a new seating arrangement and her allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio during a live TV interview. The Senate claimed that her actions ridiculed the institution.
Reacting to the suspension, Atiku, through his media aide Paul Ibe, questioned the Senate’s decision. He argued that suspending Senator Natasha without conducting a formal investigation was an attack on affirmative action and raised concerns about Nigeria’s commitment to creating an environment that supports women’s interests.
“Was there an investigation? No. This is a matter of concern,” Atiku said. “Any society that fails to fully utilize its resources, especially by empowering women, is failing. Half of our population is female, and if we do not intentionally foster an environment that enables women to succeed in all spheres—be it politics, business, or any other field—we are missing out on a huge potential.”
Atiku further emphasized that with International Women’s Day approaching on March 8, the Senate’s decision to suspend Natasha without an investigation highlights a larger issue of neglecting women’s rights and opportunities.
Similarly, Peter Obi’s camp, represented by Tanko Yunusa, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, expressed disappointment with the suspension. “This situation is very disappointing,” Yunusa remarked