Senate’s suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan threat to democracy, gender inclusion  – FixPolitics

The FixPolitics Africa has kicked against the Senate’s suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as a threat to democracy, gender inclusion, and the rule of law. 

It said that by imposing the suspension under the pretext of rule violations, the Senate had not only silenced Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan but also disenfranchised the people of Kogi Central senatorial zone, depriving them of their constitutional right to representation.

“This action blatantly disregards judicial precedents, including Senator Ali Ndume v. Senate of Nigeria (2018) and Senator Dino Melaye v. Senate of Nigeria (2016), which affirm that lawmakers cannot be suspended in ways that strip their constituents of representation,” a statement by the group read. 

The Executive Director of FixPolitics, Dr Anthony Ubani, signed the statement, which was issued on Thursday.  

It also read, “The Senate’s repeated defiance of these rulings raises serious concerns about its commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative processes. “Beyond undermining democratic principles, this punitive measure also calls into question the institution’s willingness to address misconduct within its ranks.” 

According to the FixPolitics, the suspension highlights the systemic barriers and entrenched misogyny that Nigerian women face in politics and society at large. “Female representation in the Senate has plummeted by nearly 50 per cent – from seven women in the 9th Assembly to just four in the 10th Assembly. This decision sets a dangerous precedent that could further discourage women from political participation and silence victims of harassment. 

“As a signatory to CEDAW, the Maputo Protocol, and SDG 5, Nigeria has an obligation to foster gender inclusion in governance,” it said. It also stated, “Actions like these reinforce exclusion, rather than progress. 

“Moreover, public officials must always remember that they hold office in trust for the people and have a duty to model behaviour that promotes civility, decorum, and respect for all Nigerians, regardless of gender”.