Women Affairs Ministry to mediate with NASS leadership on Natasha’s suspension
By Kunle Sanni
The Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim, has announced plans to mediate with the leadership of the National Assembly following the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Speaking at the Meet-the-Press programme at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday, Suleiman-Ibrahim said efforts were underway to engage key stakeholders for a fair resolution.
“We’re engaging all stakeholders to ensure that justice is tempered with mercy,” she told journalists, describing the situation as “unfortunate.”
Her statement came a day after the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. The senator, representing Kogi Central, had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment in a petition submitted to the upper chamber.
The Senate dismissed the petition on procedural grounds, and its Ethics Committee recommended her suspension, citing concerns that she had brought the Senate into disrepute.
The Women Affairs Minister emphasized the importance of retaining female representation in the Senate.
“In the last Assembly, we had nine female senators. We don’t want to see that number decrease. We will work to broker peace and ensure that justice is served,” she said.
Suleiman-Ibrahim expressed optimism about the possibility of dialogue, noting that Senate President Akpabio had shown a willingness to discuss the matter.
“I was at the National Assembly yesterday for International Women’s Day, and the Senate President said they were open to brokering peace. We will serve as intermediaries between both parties to find a resolution,” she added.
The minister also reiterated the need for better collaboration between male and female lawmakers, stressing that political institutions must foster an environment of mutual respect and inclusivity.
