By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – THOUSANDS of women groups on Wednesday in Edo State took to the streets of Benin city protesting the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and sexual harassment in the Nigerian Senate.

The protest, which is part of a nationwide movement, aimed to condemn the Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months.

The protesters, who gathered at the Museum ground, were at the Edo State House of Assembly, Government House, and the State Council Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) armed with placards carrying inscriptions such as “Nigerian Women Rise Against Patriarchy” and “The Injustice Will Not Be Sustained”

Speaking, one of the leaders of the protest, Grace Obakina accompanied by Victoria Amu and others said “we as advocates and champions of the voices of the masses stands firmly on the side of the law and equity and as such condemns the perceived misogynistic behaviour of the 10th National Assembly and the alleged case of sexual harassment against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her subsequent suspension from the Nigerian Senate.

“Reports indicate that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a petition accusing the Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and misogyny.

“Instead of addressing these serious allegations fairly and transparently, the Senate unexpectedly suspended her for six months for alleged breach of Senate rules and ethics.

“The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan on account of violating the house rules without even considering the claim of being sexually harassed is an affront to workplace safety, justice, fairness, and equity. Into her claims and an end to the culture of silence, intimidation, and victim-shaming.”

Receiving the group at the government house on behalf of the governor, the deputy chief of staff, Dr. Pius Alile assured them that the governor being a gender friendly governor understands their pains and as such would look into their petition on the issues raised.

Also receiving the protesters at the state house of assembly, the media aide to the speaker, Mrs Ivy Ebojiele, said their petition would receive a favourable response from the speaker, emphasizing that the speaker is a gentle, friendly speaker who loves the course of women.




https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/women-groups-protest-senator-natashas-suspension/