Women Affairs Minister Hajia Imaan Suleiman has pledged to intervene in Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension following sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Expressing concern over dwindling female representation, she calls for reconciliation, justice, and increased women’s participation in Nigerian politics.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hajia Imaan Suleiman, has condemned the recent sexual harassment allegations in the Senate, describing the situation as “unfortunate” and stressing that such incidents should never occur in the country’s legislative chambers.
Her statement comes in response to the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. The suspension has further reduced female representation in the upper chamber to just three out of 109 senators.
Speaking at a press briefing ahead of International Women’s Day, Suleiman expressed concern over the shrinking number of women in the National Assembly. She noted that the previous Senate had nine female members, while the current one started with four—now reduced to three. “We don’t want to lose any more women in the Senate or the House of Representatives,” she said.
The Minister emphasized that resolving the matter amicably was a priority and vowed to engage all stakeholders to ensure a fair resolution. She revealed that she had already initiated discussions with the Senate, highlighting that Senate President Akpabio himself had expressed openness to brokering peace.
“We will act as intermediaries between both parties to foster reconciliation and ensure justice prevails,” Suleiman stated. She also underscored the importance of sensitizing women in politics, advocating for greater collaboration between male and female lawmakers to create an inclusive and fair governance system.
The Minister reiterated the urgent need to increase women’s representation in governance, stressing that Nigeria must accelerate efforts to ensure women have a seat at the decision-making table.
