Tension flared in the Senate on Thursday as the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, protested what she described as her sidelining from key activities of the upper legislative chamber.
Akpoti-Uduaghan voiced her displeasure during the budget defence session of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, accusing the Committee Chairman, Ireti Kingibe, of excluding her from certain committee engagements.
The senator lamented what she termed a lack of unity and coordination among female lawmakers, particularly in relation to participation in a major global women’s programme.
She drew attention to the forthcoming session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations in New York, expressing concern over how her nomination to attend the event was handled.
According to her, she was notified about the invitation at about 1:00 p.m. the previous day and was requested to submit her international passport for processing.
“I responded within three hours of receiving the information and forwarded my passport as requested,” she said. “However, I was later informed by officials of the Ministry of Women Affairs that my response came late and that I would no longer be attending.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan questioned the basis for the decision, insisting that she should not be treated differently from her colleagues, especially on matters concerning women’s development and representation at international forums.
“I should not be treated differently from other women, particularly regarding an event focused on advancing the cause of women,” she stated.
Her protest momentarily heightened tension in the chamber, drawing the attention of other lawmakers before proceedings continued.