Ezekwesili Calls on Senate to Reinstate Natasha’s Full Parliamentary Rights

Members of the Nigerian Senate have been warned by former presidential candidate Obi Ezekwesili to stop harassing Kogi Central legislator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in any way.

According to sources, two weeks ago, Natasha made her Senate comeback following a six-month suspension.

The lawmaker has become a symbol of the strength and tenacity required to combat injustice committed against citizens by those who misuse public power, Ezekwesili wrote in a message sent to the Nigerian Senate and its 107 senators.

She said that because the troubled politician was making demands on the Senate members, she was unjustly suspended.

She commented on 𝕏, “It is time for your leadership and members to do the right thing—end all forms of harassment or targeting against her.”

“Every rational Nigerian views Senator Natasha’s suspension as an injustice that went well beyond the parameters of appropriate discipline.

“It gave the incorrect impression that a woman who speaks up and stands up for what she believes in may be intimidated or silenced by the Senate.

Restoring Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan thus gives the Senate an opportunity to make amends and demonstrate to the public that it is capable of maintaining equity and respect for all elected officials.

“Cease all conflicts and nonverbal discipline. She cannot be sidelined, irritated, or humiliated any longer for merely carrying out her duties.

“Restore her senatorial rights and privileges in their entirety.” To fully function, she needs access to her office, staff, committee responsibilities, and the freedom to speak in the chamber.

“Lead by example.” The Senate must demonstrate its maturity in handling any issues affecting individual members and refrain from unfairly using its authority to punish those who have wronged them.

Respect what the people have mandated. The residents of Kogi Central are represented by Senator Natasha. Any additional attacks on her would be a betrayal of her voters’ wishes.

“As I have maintained since the beginning of this saga, this is not just about Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,” she continued.

It concerns Nigeria’s desired democracy, where women can hold leadership positions without fear of discrimination or harassment, and where no one faces consequences for speaking up against the status quo.

“The Senate must keep in mind that the best ways to demonstrate authority are via openness, justice, responsibility, and restraint rather than through threats.

“By treating Senator Natasha with the same respect and decency as all other members, the Senate has the opportunity to turn this page properly.

The main criterion by which the public will evaluate the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is how it responds to the substantive issue of her accusation against the Senate President moving ahead. This will determine whether or not our highest legislative body sets an example.

There is a new opportunity for many of her coworkers to take advantage of this and at last be heard when they say that “the injustice shall not be sustained.”

“The Senate’s decision between justice and retaliation will be remembered by history, and Nigerians are watching.”