Former presidential aspirant and ex-Minister of Education, Dr. Obi Ezekwesili, has called on the Nigerian Senate to immediately address what she described as the “unjust treatment” of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following her return to the National Assembly.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, resumed her duties two weeks ago after serving a six-month suspension. In a statement directed to the Senate and its 107 members, Ezekwesili praised the lawmaker for her courage and resilience in standing against injustice perpetrated by those in positions of authority.

According to Ezekwesili, the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan “went far beyond the bounds of fair discipline” and sent a wrong signal that a female lawmaker who speaks boldly could be silenced or intimidated.

She stressed that the Senate must restore the full privileges and rights of the lawmaker, including her office, staff, committee roles, and her right to speak freely on the floor. Ezekwesili said the manner in which the Senate addresses the allegations against its leadership would define the 10th Senate in the eyes of Nigerians.

“This is not just about Senator Natasha,” Ezekwesili said. “It is about the kind of democracy Nigeria wants — one where no one is punished for standing up for the truth and where women can participate in leadership without fear of bias or harassment.”

She urged the Senate to demonstrate fairness, transparency, and accountability, emphasizing that Nigerians are watching closely to see whether justice or vindictiveness will prevail.