Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern that Nigerian leaders are not fostering an environment that allows women to thrive and contribute to the country’s development. Atiku, a former presidential candidate of the PDP, made the statement on Friday through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, following the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP/Kogi Central) by the Senate.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months on Thursday for allegedly violating Senate rules after rejecting a new seating assignment and accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment during a live TV interview. Atiku described the Senate’s decision as an attack on affirmative action.
“Has there been an investigation? No. So, Atiku’s position remains unchanged. Regardless of the angle, this raises concerns. Any society that fails to optimally use its resources, especially by not providing women the opportunity to thrive, is failing,” he said. “Women make up about half of our population, and if we do not intentionally create an environment that fosters their interests—whether in politics, business, or any other field—we are not utilizing our potential to its fullest.”
He continued, “We are not offering half of our population the opportunities to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society. With International Women’s Day approaching on March 8, this situation is even more troubling. The Senate’s decision to suspend Natasha for six months without conducting an investigation is an attack on affirmative action.”
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi also voiced his disapproval through his ex-media aide and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Tanko Yunusa. Yunusa described the situation as “quite disappointing.”
PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, criticized Senate President Akpabio for not stepping down to allow an independent investigation into the sexual harassment allegations against him. Osadolor also condemned the six-month suspension imposed on Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling it shameful.
The PDP youth leader further criticized opposition lawmakers for remaining silent and failing to raise their voices when it mattered most.
