The Middle-Belt Vanguard has condemned Senate President Godswill Akpabio over his alleged public humiliation of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan during a heated exchange in the Red Chamber on Thursday. The group decried what it described as rampant intimidation and discrimination against women in leadership positions.
In a statement signed by its president, Godwin Meliga, the non-governmental organization criticized Akpabio for his handling of seat reallocation in the Senate, accusing him of sidelining due process and fairness.
“On February 20, 2025, Akpabio reallocated Senate seats but failed to consult or notify the affected senators, including Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan,” Meliga stated.
The incident escalated when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to address the issue on the Senate floor but was reportedly silenced for not sitting in her newly assigned seat. Meliga described this as a double standard, pointing out that Akpabio himself had previously spoken from an unassigned seat during Bukola Saraki’s tenure as Senate President without facing similar restrictions.
“Why wasn’t the same privilege extended to Senator Natasha? This is a clear case of discrimination,” Meliga asserted.
The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, fellow senators, and Nigerians to stand with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging them to defend integrity, justice, and fairness in the Senate.
Meliga also encouraged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to remain steadfast in her service to the people of Kogi Central, assuring her that the Middle-Belt Vanguard stands firmly against any form of intimidation or erosion of democratic principles.
Comments