A diaspora-based advocacy group, Concerned Nigerians in Diaspora, has strongly condemned the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate, describing the move as a grave injustice and a setback for women’s political empowerment in Africa.
In a statement signed by its Convener, Comrade Seyi Oladipo, the group criticized the suspension process as flawed and politically motivated, aimed at silencing a female lawmaker who dared to speak out.
“This is an affront to justice and democracy,” Oladipo said. “Senator Natasha’s suspension is not just about her as an individual—it sends a dangerous message to women in leadership across Africa. If a female senator can be punished for speaking up, what hope is there for ordinary women facing discrimination every day?”
The group also denounced what it described as orchestrated smear campaigns and hired protests meant to discredit the senator and undermine her reputation.
“We’ve seen a series of paid protests and baseless allegations targeted at her. It’s a shameful attempt to suppress a courageous woman who has remained firm in her fight for justice and good governance,” Oladipo added.
As part of its response, the forum announced plans to petition international human rights organizations, women’s rights groups, and global political institutions to bring global attention to what it called an alarming abuse of legislative power.
“We will not sit idly by while such dangerous precedents are set. This matter will be taken to the appropriate global bodies to ensure justice is served and to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic values,” the group emphasized.
The Concerned Nigerians in Diaspora is urging the Federal Government and other relevant authorities to reverse the suspension and reaffirm the principles of justice, fairness, and gender equality in Nigeria’s governance system.
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