Adeseyi Ogunlewe, Former Lawmaker, Lagos East Senatorial District has said for many men, it is almost impossible not to glance at Sen. Natasha when she passes by.
"It is a natural instinct for men to admire beautiful women. However, sexual harassment in Nigeria remains a significant issue."
For Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension, Ogunlewe further said the senate went on a frolic, presented a self-serving report.
"It is not uncommon for a Senate to make mistakes; however, the structure of the Senate includes provisions designed to prevent such errors. We have the Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters, which could have been given the opportunity to review this matter. Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan is the sixth senator to be suspended, and the court has vehemently frowned upon previous suspensions."
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has emphasized the importance of hearing the voices of Nigerian women, saying their perspectives and contributions are crucial to the country’s development.
The Senate President’s statement highlights the need for greater representation and participation of women in decision-making processes.
Akpabio gave this assurance in Abuja at the Nigerian Senate’s event celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD)2025 with the theme: “Accelerate Action – Economic and Political Inclusion Walk the Talk.”
As the country celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD), Akpabio’s declaration serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting gender equality and empowering women to take on leadership roles.
“The tenth senate under my leadership is pro-women. We pledge to visit and support all gender equality bills that have suffered many rejections in the previous senate.
“We are proposing special seat and it will become a reality, we must make this happen because the voices of our women must be heard. ”
He reiterated his commitment to advancing the cause of gender equality in Nigeria.
His declaration came alongside a firm promise to push for the passage of five crucial gender bills currently under discussion in the Senate.
These bills, which aim to enhance women’s participation in governance and protect their rights, are expected to be prioritised in the coming legislative sessions.
sreamsense: Did Lagosian come to your house to protest he stole their money or are you just being knocked down by poverty mentality? If he kept some stolen money he stole from Lagos into your family house, please report to EFCC or police, otherwise; wake up from poverty thought that wants to ruin your life. So, far Lagosians are not crying that that their money are stolen by him and there is no petition of money stolen by him from Lagos or your family house with EFCC or police, just free the guy and focus on how to improve your own life
First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, says the Nigerian Senate, remains a “matured” institution that must be treated with respect.
She made the remarks while speaking with journalists at the State House Abuja on Thursday, according to a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi.
The remarks come amid allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of power against the president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Speaking ahead of International Women’s Day, she dismissed concerns over the Senate’s handling of issues, insisting lawmakers are “doing what is needful.”
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who served in the Senate for 12 years, said the chamber should be a place of honour, not controversy.
She also urged Nigerian women to assert themselves in leadership.
“I know with what is going on in the Senate, you may say, why am I not taking a position? I believe that the Senate is doing what is needful because that’s what it is. It is an inside place and it’s a matured chamber. It’s a mature chamber, and it should be treated with respect. It’s an honour for you to be in that place alone.
“I was there for 12 years, even in my younger days, and I’m still trying to look young, but people compliment you all the time, only that, women raise yourself, don’t be in a position that men will be talking to you anyhow”.
Ahead of the International Women’s Day on March 8th, the First Lady celebrated the achievements of women all over the world but in Nigeria in particular.
She acknowledged the significant progress women have made over the decades, from the matriarchs of old to contemporary figures like Zuriel Oduwole, who champions peace.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu emphasised that Nigerian youths are equipped with what it takes to excel, urging women to continue lifting their heads high and doing their best.
Following her dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio who she accused of sexual harassment, the Senate has now suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghen for six months for violation of the Red Chambers rules.
ozo13: hahahaha But this same woman was telling us that day that her new position will make it difficult for her to be captured by the camera in the chamber during presentation.wetin come happen wey the camera captured her Wella yesterday on that same new position.E be like say this woman go Sabi drop small small lie ooo.
bdon123: D other thread where senator natasha presented her petition against akpabio to senate has been closed down..as i am unable to comment.It says topic locked. My question is why?Nobody can tell there is free speech on nairaland.Some topic are always locked to present comments especially when it has something to do wit supposed government officials. This is totally unacceptable.I believe my comment too will be locked for pointing this out.
As plenary resumed, all eyes were on Senator Natasha as she settled into her seat, signalling her readiness to continue legislative duties in spite of the ongoing controversy.
Meanwhile, protesters in support of the Kogi lawmaker stormed the National Assembly on Wednesday as the Ethics Committee is set to commence probe.
The Committee chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun is to investigate Natasha’s alleged refusal to comply with the rules of the Senate.
As the protesters gathered, cans of tear gas were fired but the protesters appeared undeterred as they regrouped barricaded by security agencies.
The protesters accused the Senate President of silencing and maligning women, as they called on President Bola Tinubu to wade in.
The allegation on sexual allegation is a human rights issue.
Pickieox: They will soon remove Bode George out of the equation if he poses enough threat for them, he will be eliminated just like the way Yinka Odumakin and Pa Ayo Adebanjo were taken out of the equation. Funsho Williams is still in the memory.
Chief Olabode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has described the ruling All Progressives Party (APC) as a congregation of strange bird fellows while reacting to the recent drama played out in Lagos State Assembly.
Recall that reinstated Lagos state Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa scored a major win after his controversial return to his post, and he has President Bola Tinubu to thank.
On Monday, he was reinstated as Speaker, 49 days after 36 lawmakers removed him from office.
Mr Obasa was nominated by a lawmaker, Noheem Adams, representing Eti-Osa I, after the former Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, resigned from her position.
Ms Meranda was voted into office following Mr Obasa’s removal on 13 January. The lawmakers accused Mr Obasa of high-handedness, poor leadership, financial misappropriation, among other allegations.
simpleseyi: Are Northerners the cause of skull mining in Yoruba land or are Northerners the reason why drug trafficking, fake digs and baby factories are the killing Igbos?
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has lambasted northern governors for shutting down schools in Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states for the Ramadan period, describing the decision as "ignorant" and "idiotic."
Sowore, in a recent interview, questioned why Nigeria—a secular state—would allow religious considerations to interfere with academic activities. He pointed out that even in Saudi Arabia, where Muslims flock for the lesser Hajj, schools remain open during Ramadan.
“Saudi Arabia where everybody is headed for lesser Hajj—did they close down their schools? You see, those are ignorant Muslims. Basically, let me put it straight: they are idiots," Sowore declared.
He added that under his leadership, no state government would be allowed to impose religious considerations on governance.
"When I become President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the states will have no business with religion. I can’t be President and you come and close down schools because of fasting. It takes me back to outrage again that that has become normalized. Like you said, religion is sensitive," he said.
Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, a prominent Rivers State statesman, has seriously accused the former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike of intentions to capture Rivers state, its resources and run it like the Lagos state format.
Recall that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is set for a showdown with the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly as he rejected the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the lawmakers to present the 2025 budget.
The governor also dismissed the assembly’s opposition to his directive for outgoing local government chairmen to hand over to Heads of Local Government Administration.
He, however, told his supporters, especially youths, to remain unperturbed, adding that the time had come for Rivers people to take their destinies in their hands.
The latest confrontation comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s February 28, 2025, ruling, which reinstated the 27 lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The apex court also ordered the seizure of the state allocation and nullified the October 2024 local government poll conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
At their first sitting since the ruling, the pro-Wike legislators demanded that Fubara present the 2025 budget, titled, ‘Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development,’ within 48 hours.
The demand directly challenged the N1.1tn budget Fubara had signed into law on January 2, 2025, following its passage by the now-defunct Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly.