Former Minister of Education and public accountability advocate, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has delivered a scathing rebuke to the Nigerian Senate, demanding an immediate end to what she called the “injustice and undue harassment” of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following her reinstatement after months of suspension.
In a strongly worded memo posted on her X handle and addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and all 107 senators, Ezekwesili hailed the Kogi Central lawmaker’s return to the Red Chamber, describing her as “a symbol of fortitude and resilience against the abuse of public power.”
Ezekwesili condemned the earlier suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan — which had sparked outrage from rights groups and gender advocates — as an act of political intimidation that demeaned the legislature and sent a chilling message to women in politics.
“Senator Natasha’s suspension went far beyond the bounds of fair discipline. It sent a dangerous signal that a woman who speaks boldly could be silenced,” she wrote.
According to her, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement should mark a turning point for the 11th Senate to restore its moral authority and demonstrate that justice still matters in Nigeria’s democracy.
“There must be no further attempt to sideline, frustrate, or humiliate her for doing her job,” Ezekwesili warned. “True leadership is not shown through intimidation but through restraint, transparency, and accountability.”
The former minister stressed that the issue transcended Akpoti-Uduaghan as an individual, arguing that it had become a test of Nigeria’s democratic character and institutional integrity.
She said the Senate’s handling of the matter — particularly the allegations raised by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Akpabio — would determine whether the legislature stands for justice or political vindictiveness.
“This is not only about Natasha,” she emphasized. “It is about what kind of democracy Nigeria wants to build — one where truth is not punished and women can lead without fear of bias or bullying.”
Ezekwesili urged the Senate to respect the mandate of the people of Kogi Central, cautioning that any further attempt to undermine their elected representative would amount to contempt for the electorate.
“To target her any further is to disregard the voters she represents,” she said. “The Senate must rise above vindictiveness and show Nigerians that justice can prevail over political power plays.”
She concluded with a pointed reminder that the eyes of Nigerians — and history — are on the upper chamber.
“Nigerians are watching,” Ezekwesili warned. “History will remember whether the 11th Senate chose vindictiveness or justice.”
