Womanifesto, a gender equality advocacy group, has expressed concerns over alleged harassment and intimidation being faced by Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The group particularly condemned the plans to recall the female lawmaker from the Senate, citing political coercion and a troubling disregard for the rule of law by her opponents.
Womanifesto, therefore, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that any recall process remains fair, transparent, and in full compliance with democratic principles.
In a strongly worded statement, Womanifesto expressed its unwavering support for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasising that the actions being taken against her appeared to be politically-motivated.
“We stand in firm solidarity with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the face of continued harassment, intimidation, and threats against her safety and dignity,” the statement read.
The group went on to highlight the coercion allegedly being exerted on Natasha’s constituents, with reports suggesting that political figures were attempting to force a recall vote against her. Womanifesto urged INEC to intervene and protect the integrity of the electoral process, insisting that any recall efforts must adhere to the constitution and the law.
“We condemn the ongoing coercion by detractors to recall her through her constituency,” the statement continued. “We call on INEC to respect the rule of law and to ensure that any recall process is conducted in a manner that is free from political interference.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s participation in the recent Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in Geneva has been at the center of the controversy. Despite not being officially nominated by the Nigerian Senate, she attended the meeting as a legitimate representative of Nigeria, funding the trip out of her own pocket and not utilising any state resources or official passport. This action, however, has sparked a wave of political backlash and efforts to discredit her.
“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has demonstrated unwavering commitment to representing her people and upholding democratic principles,” Womanifesto said.
“Her participation in the recent IPU meeting was an exercise of her right as a duly elected Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The group noted that while the Senator’s trip was reportedly funded privately, her actions have been wrongly characterised by some as illegitimate, fueling allegations that her credibility was being undermined for political gain. The group decried the ongoing investigation into her attendance as a politically motivated attack, designed not only to discredit her but also to silence her voice in the Senate.
“Contrary to the claims of illegitimacy, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan attended the IPU meeting as a legitimate representative, and her efforts to raise important issues within the Senate should be respected,” Womanifesto added.
The group also raised alarms about the safety of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, with reports indicating that there were plans to arrest her upon her return to Nigeria. Womanifesto condemned the actions, stating that they represent an unjust and unconstitutional assault on her rights as an elected official. The group has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding her treatment.
“Any attempt to arrest Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan based on unfounded allegations is a direct violation of her rights as a Nigerian citizen and an elected representative,” Womanifesto declared. “We demand a transparent investigation into these actions and call on the authorities to guarantee her safety upon her return.”
In light of the compromised nature of the current Ethics Committee, Womanifesto has called for the establishment of a Special Committee to investigate the allegations against the senator. The group believes that the current committee, due to public statements made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other members, cannot be trusted to conduct a fair and impartial inquiry.
“We demand that the Senate constitute an Ad-Hoc Special Committee to investigate the issues surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attendance at the IPU meeting,” the statement reads. “This committee must be free from political bias to ensure a fair and transparent process.”
Furthermore, Womanifesto is calling for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) to designate an independent investigator to oversee the inquiry, ensuring that the investigation is based on facts rather than political maneuvering.
“It is crucial that any investigation into Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions is impartial and transparent,” the statement emphasized. “The role of the ICPC is essential to ensuring that the truth comes to light and that political interference does not cloud the process.”
The group also stressed the importance of public hearings, where all relevant testimonies can be heard in an open and accountable manner. “The process undertaken by the Special Committee must be transparent, conducted through public hearings where all relevant testimonies are heard,” Womanifesto insisted.
The statement concluded with a call for all stakeholders to respect Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to fair treatment and to uphold her dignity. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will not rest until justice is served,” Womanifesto vowed.
In the background, reports have surfaced alleging that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello are working together to orchestrate a recall of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Sources suggest that recent meetings between the two men, including a trip to the Hilton hotel, may be linked to the effort to remove her from office.
As tensions rise, Womanifesto remains resolute in its demand for justice, transparency, and respect for the rule of law in the ongoing battle for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rights and safety. The group has vowed to continue advocating for the protection of her rights and to fight against any attempts to undermine her position in the Senate.
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