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Senator Natasha’s Suspension Battle Intensifies: Judge Steps Down Amid Bias Claims.

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

The legal fight over Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s controversial six-month suspension from the Nigerian Senate took a dramatic turn today as Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja recused himself from her case. The judge’s withdrawal, prompted by a petition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio alleging bias, has thrown yet another wrench into the embattled senator’s bid to overturn what she calls an “illegal” punishment, escalating a saga that has gripped the nation.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central and one of only four women in the 109-member Senate, was suspended without pay on March 6 following her allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio. The suspension, upheld by a majority vote after the Senate ethics committee dismissed her petition on procedural grounds, stripped her of security details, barred her from the National Assembly, and halted her salaries—measures she and her supporters decry as vindictive. Today’s courtroom twist came as Egwuatu stepped aside, citing Akpabio’s challenge to his impartiality, and returned the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment. No new hearing date has been set, leaving the senator’s fate in limbo.

The escalation has fueled outrage among women’s rights advocates and Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents, who see the suspension as a blatant attempt to silence a rare female voice in Nigeria’s male-dominated legislature. “This is a travesty,” said Chioma Agwuegbo, executive director of TechHerNG, a women’s rights group. “The Senate’s actions, now compounded by this judicial delay, send a chilling message: speak out, and you’ll be crushed.” Protests erupted outside the National Assembly earlier this month, with supporters chanting “Akpabio must go,” while counter-demonstrations backing the Senate president underscored the polarized public response.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s troubles began in February when a seating dispute in the Senate chamber spiraled into a public clash with Akpabio. She accused him of tying her legislative motions to demands for sexual favors—an explosive claim he denies. The Senate insists her suspension stems not from the harassment allegations but from “gross misconduct,” including disruptive behavior and defiance of chamber rules. Yet, critics, including human rights lawyer Femi Falana, call it “legislative recklessness,” arguing it flouts natural justice and disenfranchises Kogi Central voters.

The legal battle has been fraught from the start. Egwuatu had issued an interim order on March 4 halting the Senate’s disciplinary process, only for the ethics committee to proceed anyway—a move Akpoti-Uduaghan’s team branded as contemptuous. Akpabio, meanwhile, has fought back, filing an appeal on March 20 to stay the High Court proceedings, claiming the judge’s rulings undermined legal norms. Today’s recusal hands him a tactical win, though it delays resolution further.

Public sentiment, especially online, is a cauldron of anger and support. Akpoti-Uduaghan, undeterred, has taken her case global, addressing the United Nations earlier this month and vowing to continue serving her people “till 2027 and beyond.”

 

 

 

 

 

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NewsPoliticsTrendingUncategorizedWomen in Nigeria

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagha.n Rejects Apology Rumors in Senate Suspension Dispute

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By Prosper Mene 

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the embattled lawmaker from Kogi Central, has categorically denied reports circulating today that she offered an apology to the Nigerian Senate over the incident that triggered her six-month suspension on March 6, 2025. The senator’s firm rebuttal intensifies an already contentious saga that has gripped Nigeria’s political landscape.

In a statement issued Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the apology claims as “baseless,” asserting her resolve to stand by her actions and statements. “I have not apologized to the Senate, and I reject any suggestion to the contrary,” she said. “These rumors are a deliberate attempt to undermine my position and confuse the public.” Her suspension stemmed from allegations of sexual harassment leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio—claims he has denied—followed by what the Senate described as her disruptive conduct.

The controversy has thrust gender and power dynamics in Nigerian politics into the spotlight, with Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of only four female senators in the 109-seat chamber, framing her punishment as retaliation for speaking out. “This is bigger than me,” she added. “It’s about ensuring women in this country are not silenced for demanding respect and accountability.”

The denial coincides with escalating pressure from her constituents, who reportedly submitted a recall petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on March 24, claiming signatures from over half of Kogi Central’s registered voters. While INEC has yet to confirm the petition’s validity, the move signals a potential new front in the senator’s battle to retain her seat.

Akpoti-Uduaghan remains defiant amid these challenges. She has legal action pending against Akpabio, seeking 100 billion naira ($64,000) in damages for defamation, and another suit contesting her suspension, with a court date set for March 25. Her recent BBC interview, where she likened the Senate to a “cult” and voiced safety fears after losing her security detail, continues to fuel public discourse.

Reactions are sharply divided. Supporters laud her as a trailblazer challenging entrenched patriarchy, while detractors argue her conduct has alienated her base, justifying the recall push. As INEC reviews the petition and her legal battles loom, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s next moves will be closely watched.

The senator urged Nigerians to “disregard the falsehoods” and promised to keep fighting for her constituents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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NewsPoliticsTrendingWomen of Substance

Former Congresswoman Mia Love Dies at 49 After Courageous Battle with Brain Cancer.

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By Prosper Mene 

Mia Love, the trailblazing former U.S. Representative from Utah and the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at her home in Saratoga Springs. She was 49.

Love’s death, announced by her family on social media, marks the end of a three-year struggle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, which she faced with the same resilience that defined her groundbreaking political career.

“With grateful hearts filled to overflowing for the profound influence of Mia on our lives, we want you to know that she passed away peacefully today,” her family wrote in a statement posted on Social media. “In the midst of a celebration of her life and an avalanche of happy memories, Mia quietly slipped the bands of mortality and, as her words and vision always did, soared heavenward.”

Love’s journey began as the daughter of Haitian immigrants, a narrative she often shared as a testament to the American dream. Elected in 2014 to represent Utah’s 4th Congressional District, she served two terms until 2018, breaking barriers as a Black Republican woman in a predominantly white, conservative state. Before Congress, she was a city councilwoman and mayor of Saratoga Springs, roles that shaped her belief in limited government and community-driven solutions.

Diagnosed with glioblastoma in March 2022, Love outlived her initial prognosis of 10 to 15 months, a testament to her tenacity. Earlier this month, her daughter Abigale revealed that the cancer had stopped responding to treatment, shifting the family’s focus to cherishing their remaining time together. Love’s final public words, in an open letter published by Deseret News on March 11, expressed gratitude and hope for America’s future, underscoring her enduring optimism.

Her death has drawn an outpouring of tributes. Utah Governor Spencer Cox called her a “true friend” and “trailblazer,” while Senator Mike Lee praised her as a “dear friend” whose legacy inspired countless Utahns. Former colleague Adam Kinzinger and CNN’s Jake Tapper also expressed condolences, reflecting her broad impact across political and media spheres.

Love’s political career was not without controversy. After losing her seat in 2018 to Democrat Ben McAdams by fewer than 700 votes, President Donald Trump publicly mocked her, saying, “Mia Love gave me no love, and she lost. Sorry about that, Mia.” Undeterred, she transitioned to a role as a CNN political commentator and remained a vocal figure, denouncing political violence as recently as July 2024.

Survived by her husband Jason and their three children—Alessa, Abi, and Peyton—Love leaves behind a legacy of service, courage, and historic firsts. Her family has promised details on funeral services and a public celebration of her life in the coming days.

 

 

 

 

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Political Crisis in Rivers State Sparks Fears for Women’s Safety Amid Emergency Declaration.

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By Prosper Mene 

A deepening political crisis in Rivers State, triggered by President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency earlier this week, has raised urgent concerns about the safety and well-being of women in the oil-rich region. The unrest, sparked by the vandalism of critical oil infrastructure, including a recent blast on the Trans-Niger Pipeline, has displaced families, disrupted livelihoods, and left women particularly vulnerable to the fallout.

On March 18, President Tinubu announced the emergency measures in a nationwide broadcast, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers for six months. Citing “disturbing incidents of pipeline vandalism” and a lack of action from the state government, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the military administrator to oversee Rivers State. The decision has intensified an already volatile political rift between Fubara’s administration and lawmakers loyal to his predecessor, further destabilizing the region.

While the emergency declaration aims to restore order, its ripple effects are being felt most acutely by women. “Conflict always hits women hardest,” said Ebiere Okonkwo, a Port Harcourt-based women’s rights advocate. “When families are uprooted and markets shut down, women bear the brunt—struggling to feed their children, facing increased violence, and losing what little economic stability they had.” Reports from local communities indicate that the heightened military presence and uncertainty have restricted movement, limiting access to essential services like healthcare and food supplies.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has sharply criticized the suspension of elected officials, calling it “unconstitutional” and a threat to democratic governance. “Section 305 of the Constitution does not grant the President the power to dissolve a democratically elected government under the guise of emergency rule,” said NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe in a statement. The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) echoed these concerns, labeling the move a “state capture” attempt by Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC).

Amid the political firestorm, women’s groups in Rivers State are sounding the alarm. The Rivers Women’s Coalition, a grassroots organization, has called for immediate action to protect vulnerable populations. “We’re seeing a rise in displacement and insecurity,” said coalition spokesperson Mercy Alabo. “The government must prioritize safe shelters, emergency aid, and measures to prevent gender-based violence as this crisis unfolds.”

The economic stakes are high. The Trans-Niger Pipeline, a vital artery for Nigeria’s oil exports, generates millions of dollars daily, and its disruption has compounded the state’s woes. Local residents fear that the combination of political instability and economic losses will deepen poverty, with women—who often manage household finances—left to pick up the pieces.

Women’s advocates are urging both federal and state authorities to address the human cost of the crisis. “This isn’t just about politics or oil,” Okonkwo emphasized. “It’s about the lives of women and families hanging in the balance. We need stability—and we need it now.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs Rally for Economic Equity at Lagos Summit.

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By Prosper Mene 

 

Hundreds of Nigerian women entrepreneurs descended on Lagos today for the “Women in Business Summit,” demanding bold policy changes to secure greater economic inclusion in a nation where their potential remains largely untapped. Held at the Eko Convention Centre, the event brought together business owners, policymakers, and international advocates to address the stark disparities facing women-led enterprises.

Funke Adeyemi, founder of a fast-growing fintech startup, set the tone with a fiery opening speech. “We’re not asking for handouts—we’re demanding a level playing field,” she declared, citing data that women-owned businesses in Nigeria receive less than 15% of available venture capital despite driving significant job creation. Adeyemi pointed to the success of initiatives like “SheTrades Nigeria,” which has empowered over 5,000 women to break into export markets since its launch in 2023, as proof of what’s possible with proper support.

The summit’s urgency was amplified by recent commitments made at the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) earlier this month, where Nigeria pledged to advance gender equity. Yet attendees, including small-scale traders and tech innovators alike, voiced frustration over slow progress. “Access to loans, training, and markets shouldn’t be a privilege—it’s a right,” said Chidinma Okoro, a textile entrepreneur from Aba, echoing a common refrain.

Government representatives present, including the Minister of Women Affairs, promised to review proposals for tax incentives and microfinance schemes tailored for women. International delegates from the World Bank and UN Women also pledged technical support, spotlighting Nigeria as a key player in the global push for women’s economic empowerment.

As the day unfolded, the summit trended online under #WomenMeanBusiness, with participants vowing to hold leaders accountable.

 

 

 

 

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PoliticsNewsTrendingWomen of Substance

Senator Natasha vs. Akpabio: Scandal Deepens as Probes and Protests Escalate.

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

 

 

The political firestorm between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio shows no signs of coming to an end as of March 17, 2025, with fresh developments intensifying Nigeria’s most gripping legislative controversy of the year. What began as an allegation of sexual harassment has spiraled into a saga of suspensions, legal battles, and now security agency involvement, spotlighting issues of power, gender, and justice in Nigeria’s Senate.

Latest Developments: On March 11, 2025, Senator Natasha, the first female senator from Kogi Central, addressed the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) at a United Nations forum in New York, alleging her six-month suspension from the Senate—effective March 6—was retaliation for rejecting Akpabio’s alleged sexual advances. She claimed the Senate President propositioned her, tying legislative favors to personal demands, a charge Akpabio vehemently denies. The Senate insists her suspension stemmed from “gross misconduct” over a seating dispute, not her harassment claims, which were dismissed on procedural grounds.

This week, the plot thickened as reports emerged that the Department of State Services (DSS) and National Intelligence Agency (NIA) are probing Natasha’s unauthorized trip to the IPU meeting.

 

The move has fueled accusations from her supporters that the government is using state machinery to intimidate her, with protests erupting in Abuja and Lagos under hashtags like #WeAreAllNatasha.

Legal and Public Backlash: Natasha has escalated her fight, filing a contempt suit against Akpabio and Senate officials on March 13 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging her suspension as unlawful. The court had previously, on March 4, restrained the Senate from disciplining her pending a hearing, now set for March 20, 2025. Meanwhile, Akpabio’s camp asserts the IPU lacks jurisdiction over Senate affairs, with his aide, Eseme Eyiboh, dismissing calls for him to testify internationally.

Public reaction remains polarized. Women’s rights groups and civil society organizations, including a coalition from Edo State, have rallied behind Natasha, condemning what they call a “misogynistic” silencing of a rare female voice in the 109-seat Senate, where women hold just four seats. Critics, however, including political analyst Omotayo Yusuf, question her evidence, urging her to substantiate claims that have gripped national discourse since her February 28 Arise TV interview.

The Bigger Picture: The scandal has reignited debates about gender-based violence in Nigerian politics. Natasha’s suspension leaves the Senate with only three female lawmakers, amplifying calls for reform. Her allegations echo past tensions with Akpabio, who apologized in July 2024 for a “nightclub” remark aimed at her, suggesting a pattern of friction. Political economist Pat Utomi has accused Akpabio of worse conduct than Natasha’s alleged breaches, pointing to a double standard.

What’s Next?: As the DSS probe unfolds and the court date clock ticks, Nigeria watches a high-stakes showdown. Will Natasha’s evidence—if presented—vindicate her, or will Akpabio’s defense hold sway? For now, the scandal remains a lightning rod, exposing fault lines in power and privilege.

 

 

 

 

 

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Akpabio Warns: Senator Natasha’s Actions Could Harm Women’s Political Prospects.

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By Prosper Mene

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed concern that the ongoing controversy involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan could negatively impact the advancement of women into key political positions in Nigeria

Speaking on Thursday, Akpabio suggested that her recent actions and the ensuing public dispute might discourage political leaders from appointing or supporting women for prominent roles.

The statement comes in amidst a high-profile clash between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, who was suspended from the Senate for six months on March 6, 2025.

The suspension followed a confrontation over a new seating arrangement in the Senate, which Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed was intended to undermine her. Tensions geared up when she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and political victimization, allegations he has firmly denied.

Akpabio, addressing the issue, argued that such conflicts could create reluctance among decision-makers to elevate women to leadership positions, fearing similar controversies. “Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions could affect women getting key political positions,” he stated, emphasizing the need for unity and professionalism in the legislature. He urged lawmakers to focus on their duties rather than engaging in disputes that could tarnish the image of women in politics.

The Senate has stood by its decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan, with Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu recently dismissing calls for reinstatement, insisting that the chamber would adhere to its rules. Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken her case to the international stage, filing a contempt application against Akpabio and appealing to the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) for intervention.

The controversy has sparked widespread debate in Nigeria, with some praising Akpoti-Uduaghan’s courage in confronting alleged misconduct, while others, including Akpabio’s supporters, argue that her approach risks setting back progress for women in politics. On Tuesday, a group of protesters under the banner “Women for Good Governance” rallied at the National Assembly, demanding harsher penalties for the suspended senator, accusing her of destabilizing the legislature.

 

 

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