…Going to UN parliamentary unwise –PDP women leader

From Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja

Women leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Princess Grace Iye Adejoh, has lambasted Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for taking the issue between her and the Senate president to the UN Inter-Parliamentary Union, saying it was premature and unwise

She said the issue was not beyond amicable settlement locally, stressing that the action of the senator was counterproductive and capable of denting the image of Nigeria among the comity of nations.

Princess Adejoh, former PDP governorship aspirant, however, called on the Senate to immediately lift the suspension order on Natasha and let peace reign.

In a statement in Lokoja, she said she was one of the people solidly behind the senator and kicked against the six months suspension slammed on her by the Senate but stressed that Natasha must now thread carefully so as to give peace a chance.

“While we hoped for positive interventions through dialogue and mediation by elders and interest groups, I was taken aback by the senator’s decision to take the matter before the UN Inter-Parliamentary Union. 

“Was this a wise move? Perhaps not. It seems premature. Apart from a few political adversaries and envious individuals, Natasha is widely loved and respected. Her intelligence, resilience and compassionate nature have not only made her a leading figure in Kogi State but also someone admired even by those who may not always agree with her. 

“It is no surprise that she has received overwhelming support since this battle began. Many of us have vowed to stand by her side until justice is served and she is reinstated. However, taking the matter outside our national ‘family circle’ comes as an unpleasant surprise. 

“As a democracy that is still in its formative stage, Nigeria faces its share of growing pains, often reflected in governance. In this particular case, the odds favoured Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. With strong backing from women’s groups, civil rights organisations and stakeholders from Kogi State, a positive resolution seems likely through domestic pressure and negotiation. 

“At this point, the matter remains a ‘family dispute’ that can still be resolved through dialogue and compromise. We had expected that more elders would intervene to douse the flames, allowing us to focus on more pressing national issues such as hunger, insurgency and security crises that claim thousands of lives daily. 

“Taking the issue to the international stage may have drawn attention but it is unlikely to yield results that are as effective as internal deliberations. That is why I am appealing to our beloved sister, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to return home. Many of us are actively working, both publicly and behind the scenes, to ensure that this crisis does not escalate further. 

“Now is not the time for hasty decisions, no matter how strategic they may seem.

“To the Senate, I once again appeal: let us resolve this matter internally as a family. Instead of allowing Nigeria’s reputation to be further tarnished, this is an opportunity to prove that we can handle our own affairs maturely. Yes, we can. 

“This is not a contest of winners and losers. The bigger picture is Nigeria’s national interest. 

“The UN Inter-Parliamentary Union has expressed interest in hearing from both sides. I sincerely hope that our Senate, Natasha, and the Senate President will take the noble path and resolve this dispute before it escalates further or even before a ‘hearing’ by the UN. We are more than capable of doing so, and I trust we will,” she said.