Akpabio moves to resolve Natasha’s 6-month suspension

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue to address the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

He made this known during an event at the National Assembly marking International Women’s Day, stating that efforts would be made to broker peace.

Federal Government has also stepped in, with the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, confirming that discussions are underway with Senate leaders.

She described the situation as unfortunate and assured that steps were being taken to find a resolution.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended for six months following a petition she submitted, alleging that Akpabio sexually harassed her.

The Senate dismissed her petition on procedural grounds, and the ethics committee recommended her suspension, arguing that she had brought disrepute to the chamber.

Her suspension has sparked reactions from different quarters, with many questioning the fairness of the decision.

Suleiman-Ibrahim, while addressing journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, said the government is working to ensure a peaceful resolution.

She stressed that losing a female senator is not ideal, especially when there are already few women in the legislature.

She also pointed out that Akpabio’s openness to dialogue is a positive step.

According to her, the government will act as an intermediary to encourage reconciliation while also promoting a more inclusive political environment.

“We don’t want to be losing any woman member in the Senate or decrease in the numbers.

“We’re going to be brokering peace. We’ll engage all the stakeholders to ensure that they temper justice with mercy.

“I was at the National Assembly yesterday, at the Senate where we marked the International Women’s Day.

“The last thing the Senate president said was that ‘we’re open to broker peace.’

“So we’re going to be the intermediary between the two parties to see that we broker peace; for peace to reign, and then we’ll continue to sensitise everyone a o that we learn to work better together as women and men,” she said.