Victor EzejaFormer Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, has criticised the Nigerian Senate for the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Prime Business Africa had reported that the Senate, on Thursday, slammed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan with six months suspension for accusing the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelWhile leaving the Senate chamber after her suspension, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan described the action of the Senate as “injustice”, saying it shall not be sustained.
In a series of tweets on her X handle, Ezekwesili commended the Kogi senator’s boldness and courage in the face of intimidation.
The former minister accused the Senate leadership of abuse of power, saying “that was all they could do as always.”
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“Natasha is holding strong. Really strong,” Ezekwesili stated.
She noted that the Senator’s last words as she left the Senate on Thursday should serve as an inspiration to Nigerians who believe in fighting for justice, uncovering the truth and upholding democracy.
“All reasonable Nigerians should be proud of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. She sat with dignity to the end, in a room filled with men who collectively bullied her for daring to speak up for herself. Nigerian Women and all Real Men of goodwill should draw profound inspiration from her stoicism.
“There’s plenty of work ahead for all who believe in this cause of unearthing the truth on this issue.”
She reminded those in authority who behave like gods because of the power they have today that it is fleeting and could find themselves in the wrong side of history tomorrow.
Ezekwesili urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to remain strong, assuring that Nigerians of goodwill are with her and that she has inspired a generation of credible citizens by her conduct in this matter.
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Earlier before the suspension, Ezekwesili had called for an independent investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition against Akpabio.
She condemned what she described as a lack of transparency in the handling of the alleged sexual harassment case.
“Investigate the accusation of sexual harassment is all that sensible Nigerians have collectively asked the @NGRSenate to do, but no, they have decided to choose the ignoble path of vicious abuse of power and desecration of our Public Institution @nassnigeria,” Ezekwesili stated.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
