In what appeared to be a solidarity march, hundreds of women protesters converged on the National Assembly Tuesday in support of the Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio.
Displaying various placards with inscriptions reading; “Senator Natasha is a serial blackmailer,” “Senate Committee on Local Content is a privilege, not a birthright,” and “Nigerian women stand with Senator Akpabio,” the protesters voiced their disapproval of the actions of the embattled parliamentarian.
Calling for stricter sanctions against the suspended Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, the protesters under the aegis of “Women for Good Governance” criticised Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for working with individuals intent on discrediting the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Secretary of the United Women for Good Governance, Enakeme Ojineme, who led the protesters, alleged that the sexual harassment accusations against Akpabio were politically motivated and that Akpoti-Uduaghan was actively involved.
While frowning at efforts to undermine the Senate through “unconventional, unlawful, and demonic means,” Ojineme described Akpoti’s actions as treasonable.
“This false allegation has a strong political undertone, heavily orchestrated in collaboration with Sen. Natasha by those desperate to seize control of the Senate leadership,” Ojineme declared.
“We send a strong warning to these conspirators - what they are doing is an attempt to stab democracy with a fire dagger, and all well-meaning Nigerians must resist this,” she warned.
Urging the Senate to impose biting consequences if Akpoti-Uduaghan continues mobilizing protests, the leader of the protesters advised; “We encourage Nigerian senators and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to remain steadfast and ensure that Senator Natasha faces serious repercussions if she persists in inciting street beggars, jobless youths, and women against the Senate.”
It would be recalled that the Senate suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months on Thursday last week, asking her not to participate in all the activities of the 10th Senate over the rowdy session she created when she protested against Senate President Akpabio’s reassignment of her seat.
The Senate, however, resolved that if Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan writes to apologise during the period, she shall be recalled to resume her legislative activities.
The red chamber also resolved that her office would be locked up for the entire period of her suspension and that all her salaries and allowances would be suspended. Her security details were further withdrawn.
The Committee’s report recommended that the salaries of all her legislative aides be stopped. However, former Chief Whip Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, APC, Abia North, intervened on behalf of the aides.
He was seconded by Senator Ned Nwoko, APC, Delta North, who moved to amend the recommendation. It was subsequently carried that the salaries of the workers should be paid since they did not commit any offense.
The Senate resolutions followed the presentation and consideration of the report of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen, LP, Edo South.
