Group Raises Concerns Over Attempts to Recall Kogi Central Senator Natasha, Urges INEC to Uphold Due Process

Womanifesto, a gender equality advocacy group, has raised concerns about the alleged harassment and intimidation faced by Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The group specifically condemned the plans to recall the female lawmaker from the Senate, citing political coercion and a troubling disregard for the rule of law by her opponents.

In a statement, Womanifesto called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that any recall process follows due process and remains fair, transparent, and in full compliance with democratic principles.

“We stand in firm solidarity with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the face of continued harassment, intimidation, and threats against her safety and dignity,” the statement read.

The group highlighted the political coercion allegedly being exerted on Natasha’s constituents, with reports suggesting that influential figures were attempting to force a recall vote against her. Womanifesto urged INEC to step in and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process, insisting that any recall efforts must adhere strictly to the constitution and the law.

“We condemn the ongoing coercion by detractors attempting to recall her through her constituency,” the statement continued. “We call on INEC to respect the rule of law and ensure that any recall process is free from political interference.”

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s participation in the recent Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in Geneva has been at the center of the controversy. Despite not being officially nominated by the Nigerian Senate, she attended the meeting as a legitimate representative of Nigeria, funding the trip out of her own pocket and not using any state resources or an official passport. This action, however, sparked political backlash and efforts to discredit her.

“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has shown unwavering commitment to representing her people and upholding democratic principles,” Womanifesto said. “Her participation in the recent IPU meeting was an exercise of her right as a duly elected Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The group noted that while the Senator funded her trip privately, some have wrongfully labeled it illegitimate, fueling attempts to undermine her credibility for political gain. Womanifesto condemned the ongoing investigation into her attendance, calling it a politically motivated attack aimed at discrediting her and silencing her voice in the Senate.

“Contrary to claims of illegitimacy, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan attended the IPU meeting as a legitimate representative, and her efforts to raise crucial issues in the Senate should be respected,” Womanifesto added.

The group also expressed concerns about the senator’s safety, with reports suggesting there were plans to arrest her upon her return to Nigeria. Womanifesto condemned this potential action, describing it as an unjust and unconstitutional assault on her rights as an elected official. The group has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into her treatment.

“Any attempt to arrest Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan based on unfounded allegations is a direct violation of her rights as a Nigerian citizen and elected representative,” Womanifesto declared. “We demand a transparent investigation into these actions and call on the authorities to ensure her safety upon her return.”

Given the compromised nature of the current Ethics Committee, Womanifesto has called for the establishment of a Special Committee to investigate the allegations against the senator. The group believes that the current committee, due to public statements made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and others, cannot be trusted to conduct a fair and impartial inquiry.

“We demand that the Senate constitute an Ad-Hoc Special Committee to investigate the issues surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attendance at the IPU meeting,” the statement reads. “This committee must be free from political bias to ensure a fair and transparent process.”

Furthermore, Womanifesto has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) to appoint an independent investigator to oversee the inquiry, ensuring it is based on facts and not political maneuvering.

“It is crucial that any investigation into Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions is impartial and transparent,” the statement emphasized. “The role of the ICPC is essential to ensuring the truth comes to light and preventing political interference in the process.”

The group also stressed the importance of public hearings, where all relevant testimonies can be heard in an open and accountable manner. “The process undertaken by the Special Committee must be transparent, conducted through public hearings where all relevant testimonies are heard,” Womanifesto insisted.

The statement concluded with a call for all stakeholders to respect Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to fair treatment and to uphold her dignity. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will not rest until justice is served,” Womanifesto vowed.

Reports have suggested that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello are behind efforts to orchestrate the recall of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Sources indicate that recent meetings between the two men, including a trip to the Hilton Hotel, may be tied to attempts to remove her from office.

As tensions escalate, Womanifesto remains resolute in its call for justice, transparency, and respect for the rule of law, vowing to continue advocating for the protection of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rights and to resist any efforts to undermine her position in the Senate.