Senate President Godswill Akpabio has been accused by an organization called opinions for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW) of stifling women’s opinions, pointing to his recent measures against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as a concerning instance of intimidation based on gender.
A coalition called VIEW, which is dedicated to creating fair and welcoming political environments for women, denounced what it called “Akpabio’s persistent disregard for female lawmakers.”
As part of a broader pattern of institutional suppression, the organization voiced indignation over the recent event in which Akpoti-Uduaghan was forced out of the Senate chambers while claiming her right to speak.
According to the alliance, which consists of well-known female leaders including Asma’u Joda, Maryam Uwais, Mairo Mandara, Fatima Akilu, Aisha Oyebode, Kadaria Ahmed, and Aisha Waziri Ibrahim, it is intolerable for female politicians to continue to be harassed.
This incident is not unique; it comes after past times when the Senate President has shown flagrant disrespect for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and other female leaders. “We need to question and challenge this trend,” the organization said.
According to VIEW, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s bold statement, “I am not afraid of you,” acts as a call to action for other female leaders who will not be silenced.
Beyond their legislative responsibilities, they denounced the poisonous political atmosphere that compels female politicians to struggle for their right to be heard.
“Why does the Senate President have to use disdain and condescension in order to interact with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan? Respect, equity, and inclusivity for all parliamentarians, regardless of gender, are essential for a democratic institution’s leader, the statement continued.
VIEW urged the Nigerian legislative to establish a climate in which women’s voices are acknowledged, valued, and promoted in governance and demanded tangible steps to eradicate gender-based intimidation in the Senate.
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Our support for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and all other Nigerian women who defy quiet is steadfast. When women’s voices are silenced, a democracy is in jeopardy.
The coalition said, “Until true inclusivity is achieved, we will continue to demand justice, equity, and accountability.”
