Civil Society Coalition Backs Akpabio, Supports Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension

The National Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (NACOCSO) has declared its support for Senate President Godswill Akpabio and endorsed the Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

At a rally in Abuja, NACOCSO leaders, including National Coordinator Comr. Adebayo Lion Ogorry, clarified that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was not gender-related but a response to her disruptive conduct during a routine seating arrangement change.

The coalition emphasized that the disciplinary action was necessary to uphold order in the Senate. They also dismissed claims of political bias or gender-based suppression, stating that the Senate Committee on Ethics found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of violating legislative protocols.

NACOCSO further clarified that her allegations of sexual harassment were separate from the issue that led to her suspension, urging Nigerians to differentiate between misconduct and sensationalism.

NACOCSO stated, “After careful consideration, we support Senator Godswill Akpabio and the Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has distorted the facts to promote a false narrative of harassment and victimisation by Senate leadership.

“Nigerians must separate facts from sensationalism and resist exploiting gender sentiments to obscure disorderly conduct. The facts are clear:

“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to comply with a routine seating arrangement change, engaging in behaviour that violated the decorum expected of lawmakers.

“We condemn her actions, which have discredited the Senate and undermined the democratic process.

“The issue before the Senate was her conduct, not her petition against the Senate President.

“We cannot excuse unruly behaviour based on gender. Doing so sets a dangerous precedent, making rules optional based on emotional appeal.

“Framing this as an attack on women is a manipulation of the truth. No lawmaker—man or woman—is above the rules. The expectation is that all Senators conduct themselves with respect for the institution they serve.

“The allegations of sexual harassment were never before the Senate, as such matters are not within its purview and have been taken to court.

“We must uphold accountability, order, and respect in our legislative process. This is about ensuring the Senate remains a venue for reasoned debate, not disruptions.

“We commend Senator Godswill Akpabio and the Senate for upholding order and discipline.

“We urge all Nigerians to support the Senate in maintaining order and to reject any attempts to undermine our democratic institutions through emotional manipulation.”