Former Minister of Education and prominent activist, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, has called on the Nigerian Senate to reverse the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and to investigate allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In a strongly worded statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday to her 1.4 million followers, Ezekwesili described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as a breach of democratic principles and a violation of her rights as a duly elected senator.

She urged the Senate to take immediate corrective action and ensure justice is served.

Ezekwesili demanded that Akpabio step aside while Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin presides over an urgent Senate session to rescind Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.

“The Senate President must step aside, and the Deputy Senate President should immediately convene a session to reverse the unconstitutional and illegal suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan,” Ezekwesili stated.

“She must resume her duties as a duly elected senator representing her Kogi Central constituency and receive the fair hearing due to her within Senate processes.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended last week over alleged violations of Senate rules, but she insists that her suspension is a reprisal for raising claims of sexual harassment against Akpabio.

Ezekwesili also urged the Senate to initiate an independent investigation into the allegations against Akpabio. She suggested that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) oversee the probe, given that sexual harassment falls under the corrupt practices it is empowered to investigate.

“The Senate should request an independent investigation by the ICPC, consistent with the ICPC Act, which designates sexual harassment as one of the corrupt practices it can investigate and prosecute,” she said.

Additionally, she demanded the reconstitution of the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee under a new chairperson, with a mandate to hold a public hearing on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition against Akpabio. The committee, she said, should receive testimony and evidence from both senators before presenting its findings to the Senate plenary for debate and appropriate referral to the Attorney General.

Beyond the immediate case, Ezekwesili called for broader reforms to address gender-based violence and discrimination in Nigeria’s legislative framework.

She urged the Senate and House of Representatives to work with women’s rights groups, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the Nigeria Police to review laws and policies preventing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

“The National Assembly must partner with Women in Nigeria groups and other relevant stakeholders to identify barriers and gaps, develop reforms, and implement specific action plans on a fast-track timeline,” she said.

She also demanded that the Senate revive and reconsider the five gender bills that were rejected by the 9th National Assembly, arguing that the current controversy presents an opportunity for legislative transformation.

Ezekwesili’s call has sparked reactions from her followers, some of whom vowed to mobilise pressure on the Senate to act.

Activists argue that the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan reflects a larger pattern of systemic silencing of women in Nigerian politics.

Concluding, Ezekwesili hailed Akpoti-Uduaghan for her courage and resilience.

“We are incredibly inspired by the courage and strength of the irrepressible Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. We stand on! We walk on!!” she declared. (Nigerian Tribune)