A group in Kogi Central, Kogi Central Women Development Association, has declared it’s support for the Senator Godswill Akpabio led senate over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the recall process initiated by her constituents over poor representation.
Speaking during a press conference in Lokoja on Thursday, the spokesperson of the group Omole Charity Ijese, the group while declaring that they have already joined in the recall process of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, said Senate representation is not a show business but a serious business, which she regretted the senator Natasha failed to understand.
While noting that the Kogi Central Women Development Association is in full support of Senate’s disciplinary Action against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, said they were deeply alarmed that what began as a simple change of seat degenerated so fast into sexual harassment claims by senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio
The statement which read in part said “A lot has happened since the senator representing Kogi central district, our senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the senate over gross misconduct and unruly behavior for six legislative months and we deem it appropriate to speak on our position on the issue.
“We the Kogi Central Women Development Association are deeply alarmed that what began as a simple change of seat degenerated so fast into sexual harassment claims by senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“It isn’t in our place to decide whether her claims are valid or not but it is within our purview to evaluate the actions she has taken so far and how it could potentially undermine the genuine efforts of other female politicians in the zone.
“As the saying goes, he who accuses must prove, we had expected senator Natasha to have presented a petition before the senate on her claims backed by solid evidence instead of going on television to make a claim, she’s yet to either file in court nor provide evidence to.
“Senator Natasha must understand that being a senator of the federal republic of Nigeria is a privilege and a serious business NOT show business, she’s one amongst equals, therefore its meaningless dragging an arm of government before the United Nations Inter-parliamentary Union to report an issue already before the senate and this sadly, makes a mockery of her position as a senator representing a zone she was elected to speak and advocate for.
They noted that her appearance before the inter parliamentary union has given her sexual harassment narrative as reason for her suspension, a wide coverage by the international media, putting not only the senate but the Nigerian state in a negative light.
“We ask, why would she rather make a show of such a grievous allegation than explore to the latter the internal mechanisms provided by the senate and the courts in Nigeria.
“This action visibly shows Senator Natasha does not recognize the power she wields as a senator as she would rather present herself as a victim of sexual harassment before an international forum than an authority suitably positioned to save the actual victims.
“Coming from a zone that believes in the empowerment and independence of women, it has become concerning that her conduct falls short of the standards upheld by other women in Ebira land who have held prominent positions to the admiration of younger girls in the zone, the likes of Ambassador Judith Atta, …
“Her refusal to apologize for disobeying the rules of a revered and respected institution shows she’s comfortable denying her constituents the privilege of representation for the next six legislative months, equal to twelve calendar months, an action that speaks very loudly that she has no regards for those who elected her.
“Senator Natasha appears self-absorbed, unapologetic to her constituents as well as failed to uphold the virtues of a strong, nurturing, resilient and astute female politician as exemplified by the other three female senators.
“It is on this premise that we the Kogi Central Women Development Association denounces her as our senator, demand an apology from her as we resolve to mobilize other groups in Kogi central senatorial district to commence the process of recalling Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The noted that this move will enable the district elect a representative that is people centered, law abiding and drama free.