Ezekwesili Demands Akpabio’s Removal Over Natasha’s Suspension

By Tonia Okereke

Former Minister of Education and founder of the #BBOG, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, has called on the Nigerian Senate to reverse the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

She also called on the Senate to investigate allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, this is even as she demanded that she steps aside until the investigation is completed.

In a strongly worded statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday to her 1.4 million followers, Ezekwesili dubbed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as a breach of democratic principles and a violation of her rights as a duly elected Senator.

She wrote: “The Senate President must step aside, and the Deputy Senate President should immediately convene a session to reverse the unconstitutional and illegal suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan,” Ezekwesili stated.

“She must resume her duties as a duly elected senator representing her Kogi Central constituency and receive the fair hearing due to her within Senate processes.

“The Senate should request an independent investigation by the ICPC, consistent with the ICPC Act, which designates sexual harassment as one of the corrupt practices it can investigate and prosecute,” she said.

Beyond the immediate case, Ezekwesili called for broader reforms to address gender-based violence and discrimination in Nigeria’s legislative framework.

She urged the Senate and House of Representatives to work with women’s rights groups, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the Nigeria Police to review laws and policies preventing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

“The National Assembly must partner with Women in Nigeria groups and other relevant stakeholders to identify barriers and gaps, develop reforms, and implement specific action plans on a fast-track timeline,” she said.

She also demanded that the Senate revive and reconsider the five gender bills that were rejected by the 9th National Assembly, arguing that the current controversy presents an opportunity for legislative transformation.