The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) Thursday demanded for the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Senate, along with a public apology to all female senators.
The executive director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, in a press statement, said it is crucial for leaders in influential positions to exemplify positive behaviour and treat their colleagues with respect and dignity, irrespective of gender.
He called on the Nigerian Senate to impose disciplinary measures against Senator Akpabio and establish protocols that prevent such behaviour from being tolerated in the future within the upper chamber of the National Assembly.
He said: “Women in leadership roles must be able to perform their responsibilities without fear of harassment, belittlement, or disrespect.
“CHRICED has been closely monitoring the actions and leadership within the Nigerian Senate, particularly regarding the treatment of the four female senators among the total of 109.
“We express our profound concern regarding the consistently disrespectful and dismissive behavior exhibited by Senate President Godswill Akpabio towards his female colleagues, while other senators remain silent.
“The recent and expedited suspension of Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan represents yet another instance of the ongoing violation of the rights of women senators to express themselves.
“Senator Akpabio has previously exhibited a troubling disregard for Senator Ireti Kingibe, the only representative of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Senate.
“This was particularly apparent when she expressed her dissatisfaction on the Senate floor regarding her exclusion from significant discussions, especially those pertaining to the FCT budget.
“Despite Senator Ireti’s attempts to advocate for her constituents and her worries about a potential conflict with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Senator Akpabio dismissed her concerns entirely.”