Hundreds of protesters, including members of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), women’s groups, and concerned citizens, took to the streets in Edo demonstrating against the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Chanting slogans and brandishing placards, the enraged crowd marched through major landmarks, including the Edo State House of Assembly, Government House, and the secretariat of the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
They condemned what they described as a blatant act of injustice, misogyny, and an attempt to silence the senator after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
Addressing the gathering, Grace Ese Obakina, who read from a petition directed to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, the Governor, and the NUJ, decried the suspension as an assault on justice and workplace safety.
She argued that the National Assembly’s decision to punish Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan without first addressing her allegations was nothing short of a cover-up.
“We stand against this disgraceful act of intimidation,” Obakina declared. “Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition accused the Senate President of sexual harassment, yet instead of conducting an impartial investigation, they suspended her for six months under the guise of breaching Senate rules. This is not just an injustice to her but an attack on every woman in Nigeria.”
The protesters demanded an independent probe into the senator’s claims, vowing not to relent until justice was served.
“Sexual harassment and misogyny cannot be swept under the rug. We demand transparency and accountability. The days of silencing women who dare to speak out are over!” Obakina thundered.
At the Government House, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Pius Alile, who received the protesters on behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo, assured them that their grievances would not be ignored.
“The governor is a strong advocate for gender equality. Your concerns have been noted, and appropriate action will be taken,” he promised.
Similarly, at the State House of Assembly, the Speaker’s media aide, Ivy Adodo-Ebojiele, vowed that the matter would not be buried.
“The issue of Natasha is one issue too many,” she said. “The Speaker and the Assembly will ensure that justice is served. This will not be swept under the carpet.”
With emotions running high and pressure mounting, all eyes are now on the authorities to see if they will take a stand for justice—or allow another voice to be silenced in the corridors of power.