In light of the recent confrontation between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central over seat allocation in the Senate, the Middle-Belt Vanguard, a non-governmental organization, has voiced strong disapproval of the prevailing intimidation and discrimination faced by women in leadership roles.
The organization urged the Senate to prioritize integrity, justice, and fairness, rather than allowing it to become a venue of intimidation and humiliation.
Godwin Meliga, President of Middle-Belt Vanguard, issued a statement in Abuja criticizing Akpabio’s behavior towards Akpoti-Uduaghan, highlighting past instances where Akpabio made derogatory comments towards her without due recognition.
Meliga pointed out that on February 20, 2025, Akpabio reassigned Senate seats without consulting or informing the affected senators, including Akpoti-Uduaghan. He emphasized that while the Senate President holds the power to assign seats, a fair and transparent process is essential.
“Senator Natasha was unjustly silenced when she attempted to raise her concerns, with her objections dismissed simply because she was not in her designated seat,” Meliga noted.
He characterized this as a troubling double standard, recalling that Akpabio had previously expressed similar concerns during Bukola Saraki’s tenure and was permitted to speak even from an unassigned location. Meliga questioned why Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was denied the same opportunity, labeling it a clear instance of discrimination.
The Middle-Belt Vanguard has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, other senators, and Nigerians to rally in support of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, ensuring she receives the respect and fairness owed to her as an elected official.
Meliga encouraged Akpoti-Uduaghan to remain steadfast in her commitment to serving the people of Kogi Central, affirming that her contributions should not be overshadowed by adversity. He also reiterated the organization’s stance against any form of discrimination toward women in leadership, as well as the erosion of democratic values within the nation.
