The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hajia Imaan Suleiman, has expressed deep concern over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling it an unfortunate situation that should not have happened in Nigeria’s legislature.
She made this known on Friday during a press briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, a day before the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations. Suleiman pledged to engage with the Senate leadership to seek an amicable resolution to the matter.
Her intervention follows the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. The decision reduced the already low number of female senators from four to three out of 109 members, raising concerns about women’s representation in governance.
Minister Laments Low Representation of Women in the Senate
Speaking on the issue, Suleiman emphasized the need for more women in politics, warning that Nigeria’s legislature cannot afford to lose more female members.
“It’s an unfortunate incident that should not happen. In the last assembly, we had nine female senators; in this assembly, we have four. We don’t want to lose any more members in the Senate or House of Assembly,” she said.
She further stressed the importance of maintaining gender balance in leadership and encouraging collaboration between women and men in governance.
“We want to increase the numbers. It is unfortunate, but we are going to broker peace. We will engage all the stakeholders to ensure that they temper justice with mercy,” the minister added.
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Efforts to Mediate Between Senate Leadership and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Suleiman revealed that she had already started discussions with the Senate leadership and that Senate President Akpabio had signaled a willingness to resolve the issue peacefully.
“I was at the National Assembly yesterday (Thursday) at the Senate, where they marked International Women’s Day, and the last thing the Senate President said was that ‘we’re open to broker peace.’
The minister assured Nigerians that her ministry would act as an intermediary to mediate between both parties and ensure a peaceful resolution.
“We will continue to engage both sides to ensure that this matter is settled amicably. It is not a good thing to lose more women in the National Assembly at a time when we are already grossly underrepresented,” she added.
Calls for More Women in Politics
Suleiman also highlighted the need for greater sensitization and support for women in politics, saying that female politicians must be encouraged to participate actively in governance without fear of intimidation or victimization.
“We must increase women’s representation in governance. Nigeria must accelerate efforts to ensure women have a seat at the table and a stronger voice in decision-making,” she stated.
With the Minister of Women Affairs stepping in, many Nigerians hope that the Senate will reconsider its stance and seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis, allowing Akpoti-Uduaghan to return to the chamber and continue her legislative duties.