By Comfort Olayinka
The Nigerian Ambassadors for Gender Tranquility (NAGET) in a press conference today in Abuja, has praised the Nigerian Senate for suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. This suspension follows her violation of Senate rules and refusal to defend herself before the Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions Committee.
NAGET, a group of Nigerian men and women committed to promoting harmony, equity, and respect for the law, had previously called for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, and has today, expressed strong support for the Senate’s decisive action.
Elijah Tule, the President of NAGET, commended the Senate for standing firm in support of its rules and regulations. He emphasized that the suspension was in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s best interest, allowing her time to familiarize herself with Senate procedures and become a more effective legislator.
Tule also addressed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment petition against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, calling it an “afterthought” and a violation of Senate Rule 40(4), which prohibits self-signing of petitions. He reiterated NAGET’s call for Akpoti-Uduaghan to publicly withdraw her allegations and apologize to the Senate and its president.
In a show of bipartisan unity, NAGET commended Senators from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for not treating the suspension as an inter-party issue but instead supporting the Senate’s efforts to uphold its rules.
The organization also warned Akpoti-Uduaghan against spreading falsehoods internationally, stating that any further efforts to malign the Nigerian Senate would result in calls for an extended suspension.
NAGET closed their statement by reaffirming their unwavering support for the Nigerian Senate, as well as the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“As you already know, the Nigerian Ambassadors for Gender Tranquility(NAGET) is a body of Nigerian men and women of proven integrity. Our mission is to create a world of harmony, equity and peace through trust, mutual understanding, respect for the rule of law, and respect between men and women in government and elsewhere.”
“Sequel to our position seeking the suspension of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on the 2nd of March, 2025, we are again gathered here to commend the Senate for heeding to the voice of reason and acting accordingly.”
“Fellow Nigerians, it is still news that Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is currently suspended from the senate for a term of six months for grossly flouting Senate standing rules and rejecting an opportunity to defend herself before the Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions Committee. These are the only reasons (and none other) as to why she was suspended.”
“Natasha sought to set a very dangerous precedent that even distinguished Senators from her own People’s Democratic Party, PDP, found worrisome and unacceptable.”
“NAGET stands for justice! We will continue to monitor and support every quality service of the people of our own country. Standing by the truth and for the truth, at all times, and offering our unwavering support to the Renewed Hope administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
