By Joel Ajayi
The Nigerian Ambassadors for Gender Tranquility (NAGET) has applauded the Senate for suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, describing the decision as a necessary step to uphold legislative discipline and order.
NAGET, a body of Nigerian men and women committed to promoting harmony, equity, and peace through trust, mutual understanding, and respect for the rule of law, expressed its support during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday. The group’s president, Elijah Tule, commended the Senate for taking decisive action, stating that the suspension would allow Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan time to study and familiarize herself with the Senate Rules Book.
In a press briefing in Abuja on friday NAGET president Elijah Tule praised the Senate for taking action, stating that the suspension will give Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan time to study and familiarize herself with the Senate Rules Book. The organization also commended Senators from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for not treating the matter as an inter-party issue
According to NAGET, the suspension was necessary due to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s refusal to obey Senate standing rules and her alleged attempt to set a “dangerous precedent”
“Sequel to our position seeking the suspension of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on the 2nd of March, 2025, we are again gathered here to commend the Senate for heeding to the voice of reason and acting accordingly.
“Fellow Nigerians, it is still news that Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is currently suspended from the senate for a term of six months for grossly flouting Senate standing rules and rejecting an opportunity to defend herself before the Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions Committee. These are the only reasons (and none other) as to why she was suspended.
“Natasha sought to set a very dangerous precedent that even distinguished Senators from her own People’s Democratic Party, PDP, found worrisome and unacceptable.”
However, the above development has made it imperative for NAGET to clarify as follows;
“That we profoundly commend the Senate for the courage to stand solid in support of its own House Standing Rules by suspending Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate.
“That Natasha’s suspension is in her best interest, as she will use the 6 months suspension term, to study and get more acquainted with the Senate Rules Book. This will help her conform to becoming a better legislator and team player going forward.
“That Natasha’s suspension was strictly predicated on her refusal to obey the rules of the house that she swore to uphold. Those who broke these same rules in the past have had to travel the same road down to a suspension term. So she’s not the first, or the only one.
“That Natasha’s sexual harassment petition against the Senate President was an afterthought. An afterthought that fell short. It is against Senate Rule 40(4) to sign Petitions by self. Unfortunately for Natasha, she broke this Senate Standing Rule as well, by signing her own petition by herself!
“That we commend Senators elected on the platform of the People’ Democratic Party(PDP) for their patriotism to Nigeria and to the Senate, by not seeing this matter as an inter-party one, but opting to do the right thing by supporting the corrective measures meted out to Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“NAGET hereby renew our call on Natasha to come clean by publicly withdrawing her spurious allegations against the Senate President, Sen Godswill Akpabio, and to tender an unreserved apology to the Senate, and to the senate president, all in her best interest and those of the constituents she represents.
“That flying around the world to tell lies against the Nigerian Senate and the Senate President is an annihilation against the Nigerian state, and we want this futile trips to end now, or we will be forced to call for more months in suspension against Natasha.
“To the leadership and members of the UN Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), NAGET is proud to relate to you, that the Nigerian Senate is an important pillar of our democracy. It has rules and it’s hallowed for making laws that uplift the lives of our people, promotes good governance as well as the rights of all Nigerians. Natasha took lies to your doorsteps and we are glad you have instead opted to listen to both sides, so as to make the right conclusions. We appreciate this investigative decision by you very greatly!
“NAGET stands for justice! We will continue to monitor and support every quality service of the people of our own country. Standing by the truth and for the truth, at all times, and offering our unwavering support to the Renewed Hope administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
