Concerned women from Edo State have urged Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, to apologize to Nigerians and Senate President Godswill Akpabio for bringing the country’s reputation into disrepute.
During a nonviolent demonstration at the Edo State Government House, the women made the claim.
On behalf of the governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who was out of the state on a formal assignment, the women were met by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Musa Ikhilor, under the direction of Hon. Barr. Itohan Osahon, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial Woman Leader for Edo South.
Speaking, Osahon said: “We are concerned women of Edo State and we are not comfortable with what is going on at the red chamber. Natasha is not the only woman in the Senate and the Senate is not about sexual harassment.”
“She was suspended because she violated the rules of the Senate and she is manipulating the whole issue against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.”
“Senator Natasha has been suspended for six months for disobeying the Senate rules, not for sexual harassment.”
“We don’t want her to abuse the opportunity given to her to serve her people. Our First Lady was once a senator and was there for years, and such issue was not experienced. We have had many women in the Senate and House of Representatives and we have not had issues like this.”
“Traveling all around the world, disgracing the country, making us the laughing stock and making a whole lot of noise about the issue.”
“She should just apologise to the Senate. Edo State women are women who respect tradition and respect our men. She should not drag us in the mud.”
“Our demand is that Natasha should be called to order and sentiments should not come to play and she should respect the rules of the Senate.”
Mrs. Rosemary Elawure said the women embarked on the peaceful protest to support the Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
She further stated that Senator Natasha lied against Senator Akpabio and that she was not the only senator whose seat was changed in the red chambers.
“Senior citizens don’t support things that will not bring progress and development to the country. Edo women are in support of the Senate President who has a very beautiful and intelligent wife who is humble and respectful.”
“We urge Senator Natasha to be respectful and obey the rules of the Senate,” she counselled.
The women requested that she apologize to the nation’s Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly.
Barr. Ikhilor welcomed the women and praised them for their nonviolent demonstration and unrestricted expression, pointing out that women play a significant role in Edo State. He praised the women for contributing their views to the discussions about Senator Natasha and the Senate President, emphasizing that the National Assembly is for all Nigerians.
“You are here to make a very strong point regarding what is going on as it is now disturbing. It is wrong for facts to be distorted and manipulated. Nigerians are beginning to become conscious.”
“Nigerians are aware of what happened in the Senate. The issue is all about the rules and regulations, and anyone who disobeys them should face the consequences. Women are fighting for bigger issues facing them and Senator Natasha can’t serve as the stumbling block stopping women from progressing.”
“Senator Akpabio has made a distinguished career in public service and we have confidence in him and his ability to manage the red chamber.”
“The Senate is not a place for content creation and distractions but for serious minded people. Information should not be manipulated or distorted as Nigerians know what is happening in the Senate and can’t be deceived again.”
“The governor is a senator and knows what happened in the chamber. He has confidence in the Senate President Godswill Akpabio.”
“He will carry this message to different levels as we all have to protect our institutions.”
