In a statement issued on Tuesday by its convener, Sabina Idowu-Osehobo, the group vowed to defend the rights of women in leadership and mobilise for a nationwide protest if the Senate proceeds with what they described as an “unfair treatment.”
A civic society, the Concerned Women Group has expressed strong outrage over the Nigerian Senate’s decision to summon Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before a disciplinary panel, warning that any attempt to suspend her would be met with fierce resistance.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its convener, Sabina Idowu-Osehobo, the group vowed to defend the rights of women in leadership and mobilise for a nationwide protest if the Senate proceeds with what they described as an “unfair treatment.”
Sabina explained that Nigerian women would not sit idly by while one of their most vocal advocates is unjustly silenced.
"We have come too far to allow regressive tactics to push us back into the margins of decision-making.”
The group called on President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu to intervene immediately to stop what they termed “political victimisation.”
They further urged the Senate to focus on pressing national issues rather than taking actions that could stifle dissenting voices and breed division.
The group noted that Democracy thrives on the inclusion of diverse perspectives, and any effort to suppress a senator—particularly one representing the minority gender in the chamber—must be condemned in the strongest terms.
The statement read, "This latest development, spearheaded by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, reinforces growing concerns that there is a deliberate effort to silence women in Nigeria's political landscape. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a fearless advocate for the people and one of only three female senators in the 10th National Assembly, is being targeted for standing up for truth and representing her constituents with unwavering commitment.
"We find it alarming that rather than fostering an inclusive and fair legislative environment, the Senate leadership is focusing its energies on suppressing a duly elected representative.
Sabina said that the decision to summon Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is not only unjust but appears to be part of a broader strategy to intimidate and sideline women in politics.
"It is unacceptable that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who speaks boldly for her people and addresses issues affecting Nigerians, is being punished for performing her constitutional duties. Such actions undermine the democratic principles on which our nation was built.
The Concerned Women Group warns that any attempt to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will be met with strong resistance. Nigerian women will not sit idly by while one of their most vocal advocates is unjustly silenced.
According to concerned group, "We stand united in our resolve to defend the rights of all women in leadership and will not hesitate to mobilise for a nationwide protest should the Senate proceed with this unfair treatment. Nigerian women have come too far to allow regressive tactics to push them back into the margins of decision-making.
"We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu to intervene immediately and halt this dangerous path of political victimization. The Senate must focus on addressing pressing national issues rather than engaging in actions that breed division and stifle dissenting voices.
"Democracy thrives on the inclusion of diverse perspectives, and efforts to suppress any senator-particularly one representing the minority gender in the chamber-must be condemned in the strongest terms.
"In conclusion, the Concerned Women Group stands firmly with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. We demand that her rights, privileges, and voice be respected in the Senate," Sabina added.
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