The President, the Chamber of Commerce of the Diaspora (NIDCC), Mrs. Patience Ndidi Key, has requested the immediate restoration of the senator that represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Key, who said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, also requested a fair investigation into the accusations of Akpoti-Uduaghan of sexual harassment against the president of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
However, the head of the NIDCC urged the Senate to lift the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan while requested the establishment of an independent panel to investigate accusations of sexual harassment in an exhaustive and impartial way.
Tribune Online reports that the ethics of the Senate, the privileges and the Public Petitions Committee, on March 6, 2025, recommended the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months.
Key said the drama that develops in the Senate that surrounds the accusations of Akpoti-Uduaghan once again exposed the dysfunction, the selfish agenda and the lack of integrity within the legislative arm of the government, saying its (Akpoti-Uduaghan) the suspension raised the fundamental concerns about gender equity, due process and abuse of power in our power in our democratic
“This development raises serious concerns about the future of women in Nigerian politics. If a senator sitting can be suspended and silenced by speaking, what hope is there for common Nigerian women who suffer harassment and intimidation daily?
“Sexual harassment is a serious crime, and should never be trivialized, ignored or used as a political tool. However, time is important. Harassment victims must speak immediately and follow the due process to ensure that the law takes its course.
“Delayed accusations weaken the credibility of the claim and give space for political manipulation. Silence empowers abusers. If any Nigerian, a man or woman, is subject to harassment, they must immediately report it, demand justice and guarantee responsibility, ”said the president of the NIDCC.
Key said the Senate, as a democratic institution, should not be seen using procedural technicalities to suppress the opposition and silence of dissident voices while advising the upper chamber that prioritizes the challenges in the health sector, youth unemployment and the economic crisis facing the country.
“All this episode shows that Nigeria's political system needs a radical transformation. Current disciplinary mechanisms should be reviewed to prevent abuse of power and guarantee the equal treatment of all members, regardless of their gender or political position.
“I also ask for a serious commitment to gender equity in politics. Nigeria needs more women in the government. The silencing of female voices in leadership must end. Women in politics must be protected, empowered and given the respect they deserve.
“The Senate must redirect their approach to serve the Nigerian people by approving laws that solve real problems, not participate in personal avengas.”
She urged the Nigerians to hold their senators responsible and demand transparency, justice and leadership, asking victims of harassment to always speak.