Members of the National Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (NACOCSO) have expressed their support for Senate President Godswill Akpabio and endorsed the Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
They clarified that the suspension was due to her disruptive conduct during a routine seating arrangement change, not any gender-related issues.
The coalition argued that this disciplinary action was essential for maintaining order and decorum among lawmakers.
At a rally held in Abuja in support of the Senate President, representatives from NACOCSO, including National Coordinator Comr. Adebayo Lion Ogorry, emphasised that the suspension was neither politically motivated nor an attack on women.
While asserting that the measure was a necessary response to documented misbehaviour on the Senate floor, they noted that the Senate Committee on Ethics had found Senator Natasha guilty of violating established protocols, thereby reinforcing the need for accountability.
NACOCSO further clarified that the allegations of sexual harassment raised by Senator Natasha were unrelated to the conduct that led to her suspension. They asserted that claims of gender-based suppression were unfounded, focusing instead on her refusal to follow procedural changes and the ensuing disorder.
They stressed that maintaining the Senate’s integrity requires all members to adhere to the rules, regardless of gender, and urged Nigerians to distinguish between actual misconduct and sensationalism.
NACOCSO stated, “After careful consideration, we support Senator Godswill Akpabio and the Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has distorted the facts to promote a false narrative of harassment and victimisation by Senate leadership.
“Nigerians must separate facts from sensationalism and resist exploiting gender sentiments to obscure disorderly conduct. The facts are clear:
“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to comply with a routine seating arrangement change, engaging in behaviour that violated the decorum expected of lawmakers.
“We condemn her actions, which have discredited the Senate and undermined the democratic process.
“The issue before the Senate was her conduct, not her petition against the Senate President.
“We cannot excuse unruly behaviour based on gender. Doing so sets a dangerous precedent, making rules optional based on emotional appeal.
“Framing this as an attack on women is a manipulation of the truth. No lawmaker—man or woman—is above the rules. The expectation is that all Senators conduct themselves with respect for the institution they serve.
“The allegations of sexual harassment were never before the Senate, as such matters are not within its purview and have been taken to court.
“We must uphold accountability, order, and respect in our legislative process. This is about ensuring the Senate remains a venue for reasoned debate, not disruptions.
“We commend Senator Godswill Akpabio and the Senate for upholding order and discipline.
“We urge all Nigerians to support the Senate in maintaining order and to reject any attempts to undermine our democratic institutions through emotional manipulation.” (Vanguard)
