Politics
Group Tasks Senate On Fairness To Female Members
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called for fair and respectful treatment of female senators in the Nigerian Senate, emphasising the need for inclusivity and gender equity in governance.
The organisation expressed concern over the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging for her immediate reinstatement.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, CHRICED highlighted the importance of fostering an environment where all Senators, regardless of gender, can effectively contribute to national development.
The organisation stressed that the presence of only four female senators out of 109 underscores the urgent need for greater representation and respect for women in leadership roles.
“The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raises concerns about the space for women’s voices in the Senate. It is vital that all senators are given equal opportunities to express their views and represent their constituents effectively,” the statement read.
CHRICED also referenced previous instances where female senators had voiced concerns about being sidelined in key legislative discussions. It noted that ensuring equal participation for all lawmakers is essential for strengthening democracy and governance in Nigeria.
“It is a travesty of democracy and a disgrace to the esteemed chamber of the Senate that such a gross injustice could occur against Senator Natasha simply for daring to reveal her experience of harassment. This development sends a discouraging message to women aspiring to participate in governance,” CHRICED stated.
The organisation further pointed out that Senator Ireti Kingibe, the only representative of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Senate, had previously expressed dissatisfaction over her exclusion from important legislative discussions.
“Rather than addressing Senator Ireti’s concerns, the Senate President directed the FCT Minister to ignore what he termed ‘distractions,’’ CHRICED noted.
CHRICED condemned the treatment meted to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, asserting that the timing of her suspension—occurring shortly after controversial remarks about her—suggests a premeditated agenda.
The organisation also critiqued the broader implications of the suspension, arguing that it could deter women from seeking leadership positions in governance.
“Even the few women who manage to overcome the barriers to political participation often face harassment, silencing, and marginalisation. The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti and the silence of her fellow Senate members only serve to deepen these challenges,” CHRICED warned.
Regarding the significance of the issue, the organisation emphasised that the 35 per cent affirmative action policy aimed at increasing women’s representation in governance has largely gone unfulfilled.
“The political space remains difficult for women, and incidents like this make it even harder to promote gender equity in leadership,” the organisation stated.
The statement also recalled previous concerns raised by women’s groups regarding political leadership.
In its commitment to gender equality and social inclusion, CHRICED reaffirmed its dedication to advocating for policies that support inclusivity in governance and urged all political leaders to work towards a Senate where mutual respect and collaboration guide decision-making for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“Women in leadership roles must be able to perform their responsibilities without fear of harassment, belittlement, or disrespect. It is essential that the Nigerian Senate upholds the principles of justice, fairness, and accountability,” the statement added.
In a statement on Saturday, the former Senate Leader stated that the allocation of nominees across states and geopolitical zones falls short of the constitutional requirement for fair representation in the composition of the Federal Government.
The ex-Senate Whip warned that allowing the list to pass could deepen ethnic suspicion at a time when the administration should be consolidating national unity.
He highlighted disparities in the spread of nominees, noting that while some states have three or four slots, others have none. He also cited the inclusion of Senator Adamu Garba Talba from Yobe, who reportedly died in July.
“The entire North-East states have seven nominees in the list. Further checks revealed that the South-West geo-political zone has 15 nominees, while North-West and South-East have 13 and 9, respectively.
“North-Central region has 10 nominees in the list of career and non-career ambassadorial nominee while South-South parades 12 nominees,” Senator Ndume said.
According to him, such imbalances could heighten tensions and undermine Section 14(3) of the Constitution.
“My sincere appeal to President Tinubu is to withdraw this list. At this critical juncture in his administration, he should avoid missteps that could undermine national unity and foster ethnic distrust.
“I know him to be a cosmopolitan leader who is at home with every segment and stakeholder in the country. He should withdraw that list and present a fresh set of nominees that will align with the spirit of the Constitution on the Federal Character Principle,” Senator Ndume added.
He accused the legislators of undermining the sanctity of the legislature and acting as instruments of destabilization.
“The members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have, by their actions since they assumed office, shown that they are political puppets and a clog in the wheels of democratic progress,” Comrade Ememobong stated, adding that “They will go down in history as enemies of democracy and those who made mockery of the legislature.”
“So the easiest way to describe their action is a defection from APC to APC,” he said.
Comrade Ememobong announced that the party would deploy constitutional provisions to reclaim its mandate from those who have “ignobly and surreptitiously” abandoned the platform on which they were elected.
“Consequently, the PDP will take legal steps to activate the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended) to recover the mandate gained under the banner of our party which these people have now switched to another platform,” he said.
He urged party members in Rivers State to remain calm and steadfast.
“We urge all party members in Rivers State to remain faithful and resolute, as efforts are underway to rebuild the party along the path of inclusiveness, fairness and equity,” Comrade Ememobong assured.
As the news of the defection of 17 members of Rivers State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP )to the All Progressives Congress (APC) continue to make the rounds, a cross section of Rivers people who spoke to The Tide have expressed varying views regarding the development.
At Etche, a senior lecturer with the Rivers State University, who did not want his name in print, said even though defection was the right of politicians, peace and stability remained more fundamental than any action that could further challenge the fragile political situation in the state at the moment.
He also warned that the situation should not be used to witch-hunt any one, adding that the state had suffered enough and needed to be at peace.
In his reaction, Engr Polycarp Geoffrey said even though citizens and residents of the state had cause to be concerned about the decision of the lawmakers, there was nothing to worry about if it was done in good faith.
“I don’t think there is any big deal about it – defection is defection. But people are worried because of past events in the state. So, for me, I don’t see anything about it”, he said.
Engr Geoffrey also urged the Governor Siminalayi Fubara to also openly declare political affiliation in a bid to douse the political tension in the state and to provide clarity regarding his future political direction.
Another respondent, Mr Ebere Alex, alleged ulterior motive behind the law makers’ defection but urged both the law makers and the governor to work for the peace and development of the state.
However, speaking on the development, a chieftain of the PDP in the state, Hon Nname Ewor, told The Tide that said his party would reach out to the remaining lawmakers who have not defected.
He also denied an alleged internal squabble within the PDP, adding that there was no crisis in the party.
It would be recalled that 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt Hon. Martin Amaewhule, during plenary last Friday, announced their migration from the PDP to the APC, citing internal party crisis.
Other members who also defected were the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon. Dumle Maol, representing Gokana Constituency; House Leader, Hon. Major Jack, representing Akulga Constituency 1 and Deputy Leader, Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, representing Okrika Constituency; Hon. Solomon Wami, Port Harcourt Constituency 1 and Hon Granville Tekena Wellington representing Asari Toru Constituency 1; Hon. Ofiks Kagbang, representing Andoni Constituency; Hon. Peter Abbey representing Degema Constituency; Hon. Arnold Dennis representing Ogu/Bolo Constituency; Hon. Chimezie Nwankwor representing Etche Constituency 2 and Hon. Franklin Nwabochi representing Onelga Constituency 1.
The rest were, Hon. Azeru Opara, representing Port Harcourt Constituency 3; Hon. Smart Adoki representing Port Harcourt Constituency 2; Hon. Igwe Afforji ,Eleme Constituency and Hon. Lolo Opuende representing Akuku Toru Constituency 2.
By: John Bibor
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