Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has again publicly criticised Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), expressing concerns that her actions and attitude may discourage politicians from appointing women to high-ranking positions.
“When this issue began, she initially brought it to the Senate through a petition but did not allow the chamber to deliberate on it before taking it to court. Even then, she did not allow the court to address it before escalating the matter to the international community,” Akpabio said during a plenary session on Thursday.
Akpabio drew parallels with a hypothetical scenario involving former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Joe Biden, stating, “If such an allegation were made, it would create a precedent where no woman would ever be chosen as vice president again.”
Despite his criticism, Akpabio urged politicians not to let Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions affect opportunities for other women, including his four daughters.
“I have four daughters, and I want to plead with politicians to still give them and other women a chance. The sins of one should not be used to punish others.”
Akpabio also condemned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision to take the matter to international platforms, particularly her recent address to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in New York.
“I am aware that after she left the chamber, she went to Brekete Radio and Arise Television to distort the facts. She has now externalized the matter, attempting to embarrass Nigeria before the international community by presenting a false narrative at the IPU UN event.”
He expressed gratitude to Rt. Hon. Kafilat Okpara for countering Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims in New York, urging the international community not to misrepresent Nigeria.
