By Gabriel Ameh, The Sight News
The League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), has called for the immediate resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing concerns over gender discrimination and a lack of respect for women in the political space.
In a strongly worded statement issued by NILOWV President, Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, the group expressed outrage over recent events in the National Assembly, describing them as a clear display of entrenched patriarchy and misogyny.
The controversy stems from an incident where Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was forcefully removed from the Senate chamber on the orders of Senator Akpabio. The group also recalled past instances of alleged verbal intimidation and bullying of female lawmakers, including Senator Ireti Kingibe.
“We have just four women out of one hundred and nine senators. Our expectation is that they should be given all the moral support by the leadership of the Senate to enable them to carry out their official duties without fear or intimidation. Obviously, our Senate President lacks the emotional intelligence to provide this atmosphere in a male-dominated Senate,” NILOWV stated.
The League condemned what it described as gender-based political violence and urged Nigerians to reject the suppression of women’s voices in governance. According to NILOWV, the removal of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was not only a personal attack but an affront to all Nigerian women.
“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had every right to speak on a point of order, as enshrined in the Senate Standing Rules and Order of the Plenary. The manner in which she was silenced and ejected is a blatant disregard for democratic principles and women’s rights,” the statement read.
NILOWV accused Akpabio of lacking the leadership qualities required to preside over a National Assembly that is meant to serve all Nigerians, regardless of gender. They also pointed out that under his leadership, no woman holds a principal position in either the Senate or the House of Representatives, further underscoring the exclusion of women from leadership roles.
The group emphasized that Akpabio’s actions undermine efforts to promote gender inclusivity, particularly with the Special Seats Bill currently before the National Assembly. They questioned his ability to oversee legislative processes that are meant to empower women, given his alleged pattern of dismissive behavior toward female senators.
“This is not just about Senator Akpabio’s behavior; it is a symptom of a larger problem. The lack of representation and inclusion of women in our political institutions is a crisis that needs urgent redress. We need more women in leadership positions, and we need to create an environment that supports and empowers them,” NILOWV stated.
The organization called on all women’s groups, civil society organizations, and pro-democracy advocates to join in the demand for Akpabio’s resignation. They also urged the National Assembly to adopt a zero-tolerance policy for gender-based political violence and ensure that women’s voices are not suppressed.
“This is not just a women’s issue; it is a democratic issue. The exclusion of women from governance undermines the legitimacy and effectiveness of our democracy. We must stand together to demand justice for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and for all women who have been marginalized and excluded from our political institutions.”
The statement concluded with a renewed call for immediate action, urging Nigerians to join the fight for a more inclusive and representative democracy.
As of the time of publication, the Senate President’s office has not officially responded to NILOWV’s demands. However, political analysts believe that the growing pressure from women’s rights groups and civil society organizations could spark a broader national conversation on gender inclusivity in Niger
