By Desire Emmanuel
Former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, on Wednesday slammed the Senate over the suspension of the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, saying though she has resumed her duties, the treatment meted to her was unfair.
She therefore gave the Senate four conditions that they should honour in order to restore dignity of not only Natasha, but also any other member of the upper chamber of the National Assembly.
Ezekwesili disclosed these on her verified X handle on Wednesday evening, saying Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement therefore provides the Senate a chance to correct that mistake and show the public that it can uphold fairness and respect for every elected member.
According to her: “To the Senate and Senators, now that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been rightfully allowed to return to the Senate after months of an unfair and punitive suspension, it is time for your leadership and members to do the right thing- end all forms of harassment or targeting against her.
“Senator Natasha’s suspension is seen by all reasonable Nigerians as an act of injustice- one that went far beyond the bounds of fair discipline.
“It sent a wrong message that the Senate could silence or intimidate a woman who speaks boldly and stands for what she believes in.”
She therefore gave the Senate four conditions regarding its activities:
“1. Stop all hostilities and silent punishments. There must be no more attempts to sideline, frustrate, or humiliate her for simply doing her job.
2. Restore her full rights and privileges as a Senator. So, her office, her staff, her committee roles, and her right to speak freely in the chamber must be available for her to fully function.
3. Set a better example. The Senate must prove it can handle all matters involving individual members with maturity and not to unjustly weaponize public power to unjustly punish the aggrieved.4. Show respect for the people’s mandate. Senator Natasha represents the people of Kogi Central.
