The National Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (NACOCSO), a coalition of 27 prominent Nigerian civil society groups, has come out in full support of the Nigerian Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Specically, the group stated that her behavior was not only a violation of Senate decorum but also a blow to the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
This stance was taken after what the coalition described as “careful consideration of the facts” surrounding her recent conduct within the Senate chamber.
The National Coordinator of the coalition, Comr. Adebayo Lion Ogorry, in a peaceful protest at the National Assembly in Abuja explained that the incident revolved around her refusal to comply with a routine change in the seating arrangement during a Senate session.
“According to sources within the Senate, the reshuffling of seats is a regular process meant to maintain order and ensure respect for seniority within the legislative body.
“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, reacted aggressively to this routine adjustment, engaging in what was perceived as disorderly conduct.
“The Senate Committee on Ethics subsequently invited her for a disciplinary hearing, where she was found guilty of breaching the chamber’s rules. As a result, she was suspended,” he said.
He said her behavior was not only a violation of Senate decorum but also a blow to the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
The coalition strongly rejected the narrative that her suspension was the result of gender-based discrimination.
The coalition pointed out that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s refusal to accept the seating change was not motivated by any form of suppression or harassment but by her own failure to adhere to the Senate’s established protocols.
It also sought to dispel claims that the Senator’s suspension was part of a wider misogynistic agenda.
“Nigeria has many strong female leaders who have proven their worth through discipline and respect for the institutions they serve.
“The Senate is not and has never been against women. The issue here is about upholding the rules of engagement that apply equally to all members, regardless of gender.
“One of the more contentious aspects of the case was the Senator’s allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which she had raised following her suspension.
“These allegations were not part of the disciplinary proceedings in the Senate, as the matter was already being pursued through legal channels. The coalition noted that these accusations were neither officially raised in the Senate nor substantiated by any formal report at the time.
“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had traveled multiple times with the Senate President on international missions, even sharing public spaces with him. This, they argued, undermined her claims of harassment and suggested that her accusations were perhaps more politically motivated than genuine,” he said.
According to NACOCSO, it was essential that the Senate not bow to social pressure or allow its decisions to be swayed by emotional or political manipulation.
He applauded the Senate for upholding the principles of order, discipline, and respect for the institution, noting that such decisions were necessary to maintain the dignity and integrity of the legislative process.
“This is not about silencing anyone, but about ensuring that the Senate remains a place of reasoned debate and not theatrical disruptions.
“We stand with the Senate in its efforts to maintain order and discipline, and we urge all Nigerians to reject any attempts to undermine our democratic institutions,” he said.