The Federal Government revealed on Friday that it is engaging with the leadership of the National Assembly to negotiate peace following the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents the Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, shared the development with State House reporters during a Meet-the-Press event at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
She emphasized that the government is engaging all relevant parties to ensure a fair resolution, adding that they are advocating for “tempering justice with mercy.”
Her statement came just a day after the 10th Senate imposed a six-month suspension on Akpoti-Uduaghan. The senator had previously submitted a petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexually harassing her.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had raised the issue on February 28, but the Senate dismissed her petition on procedural grounds.
The ethics committee subsequently recommended her suspension, asserting that she had brought disrepute to the Senate.
Reacting to the situation, Minister Suleiman-Ibrahim expressed regret over the incident, stating, “It’s an unfortunate event that should not happen.”
She noted that, during the previous Assembly, there were nine female senators, and the loss of any female member would be detrimental.
“We don’t want to see the number of women in the Senate decrease,” she continued. “We are working to broker peace, and we will ensure that all parties involved act with fairness and understanding.”
The Women Affairs Minister also mentioned that she is optimistic about Senate President Akpabio’s willingness to engage in dialogue.
“I was at the Senate for International Women’s Day yesterday, and the last thing the Senate President said was that he was open to reconciliation. We will serve as mediators to ensure peace and harmony,” she added.
The Minister emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between men and women in the Senate for the benefit of all.
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