INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2025: Accelerate Action in Upholding Justice and Women’s Representation—The Case of Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Introduction

As the world marks International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme "Accelerate Action," there is no better time to address the urgent need for justice, gender equality, and fair political representation.

The unjust suspension of Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate highlights the systemic challenges women face in leadership and the necessity for immediate corrective action.

*The Case of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan* 

Intentionally not wanting to dive into the long politicking story that led to the Maradona-styled senate suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension from the Nigeria senate contradicts the rule of law - court order, democratic principles, and parliamentary rules. There were already court rulings that stipulate that no senator should be suspended beyond 14 days from the Nigeria Senate. Also, there had already been a court order that the Senate Committee on Ethics should not investigate Senator Natasha H Akpoti as relates to pending petitions against her before the committee. 

The said date for ruling on the subject matter on the floor of the house by the Committee on Ethics was shifted backward without pre-informing all committee members, and also, most of them were engaged in other official duties. This action not only undermines the rights of a duly elected representative but also sets a dangerous precedent of silencing women in governance. Her constituents, who placed their trust in her leadership, are now left without representation, which is a direct violation of democratic ideals.

Proven to be bold and courageous in the face of all these, her last words before leaving the Senate house were, "THIS INJUSTICE WILL NOT BE SUSTAINED".

*Women in Leadership: The Need for Justice and Equality*

With barriers ranging from gender bias to outright exclusion, the political landscape has historically been hostile to women in Nigeria, most especially in the Senate House, where they are less than 4% of the time of writing this piece. When a woman leader like Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is unfairly sanctioned with due processes, it reinforces these barriers and discourages other women from stepping into leadership roles. Accelerating action means ensuring that due process is followed, justice is upheld, and no woman leader is unjustly silenced.

*A Call to Action*

On this International Women's Day 2025, I call for the Acceleration of Action both by the Nigerian Senate and all relevant stakeholders to:

1. Uphold justice by reinstating Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan immediately.

2. Enforce due process and prevent politically motivated suspensions that target women.

3. Strengthen gender equality in governance by protecting the rights of female politicians instead of engaging in actions perceived to be targeting them.

4. Encourage women's participation in leadership without fear of intimidation or exclusion.

*Conclusion*

If we are to truly Accelerate Action towards gender equality, we must stand against injustice wherever it occurs. The case of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not just about one woman—it is about all women in leadership who deserve fairness, respect, and protection under the law. Let this be a moment of awakening for Nigeria and the world to ensure that women’s voices are heard, respected, and protected. 

Therefore, in line with this year's theme of the International Women's Day Celebration 2025, I call on all across the globe to "Accelerate Action for this injustice against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan not to be sustained".

Ojumude Tosan Bishop,

Writes from Warri, Delta State, Nigeria.

March 8, 2025.

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