…says Nigerian women solidly behind her.
A women leader and former governorship aspirant, Princess Grace Iye Adejoh, has decried the way Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central was treated at a Senate Committee session at the National Assembly on Wednesday.
Princess Adejoh said it was grossly demeaning and unacceptable. She demanded for a public apology from the Senate to the woman.
The Senate was thrown into disarray on Wednesday when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan abruptly walked out after clashing with the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Steel Development, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, over her right to continue questioning the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu during an interactive meeting on the ministry’s appropriation request.
In a press statement made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Thursday, the Woman Leader described Senator Natasha as a voice to the voiceless and should not be silenced by a male-dominated Chamber.
She said the fact that Senator Natasha said she had something important to ask the Steel Minister was enough reason for the Committee Chairman to allow her to speak.
The statement reads in part:
“I write to express concern over the manner in which Senator Natasha was addressed and dismissed during yesterday (Wednesday Feb11) Senate committee session.
“While legislative proceedings often involve time limitations and procedural controls, the tone and languages should be guilded as such public exchanges diminish not only the individual involved but also the image of the Senate as a respected democratic institution.
“For many Nigerians, Senator Natasha represents one of the more visible voices advocating for ordinary citizens. When a lawmaker perceived in this light is publicly dismissed, it risks reinforcing public skepticism about whether dissenting or people-centered contributions are given fair consideration.
“This issue goes beyond one individual. It touches on institutional culture, respect among elected representatives, and public confidence in governance. I respectfully urge your platform to highlight this matter for broader public reflection. Accountability and adherence to decorum are essential pillars of credible legislative leadership.
“I therefore urge the leadership of the Senate to reflect on this incident and consider issuing a formal apology or clarification. Doing so would demonstrate commitment to fairness, accountability, and institutional dignity. Nigeria’s Senate must continue to model the highest standards of leadership.”
Princess Grace Iye Adejoh also promised to send a formal petition to the Senate over this development.
