Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, on Thursday voiced strong frustration over what she described as her sidelining from key Senate activities, including participation in an upcoming global women’s conference.
Speaking on the floor of the Senate during the budget defence session of the Committee on Women Affairs, the lawmaker accused the Committee Chairman, Ireti Kingibe, of excluding her from certain committee engagements and failing to ensure coordination among female senators.
Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed concern about the limited representation of women in the upper legislative chamber and said greater unity was essential, particularly regarding international engagements aimed at advancing women’s rights.
Her remarks centered on an invitation to attend the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) event in New York.
According to the senator, she was notified of the invitation at about 1:00 p.m. and was asked to submit her passport for processing.
She said she complied within three hours, only to be informed later by the Ministry of Women Affairs that she had responded too late and would no longer be attending.
“I was only informed about the event yesterday at 1:00 pm, and I immediately responded with my passport.
READ ALSO: Sen Natasha Sparks Heated Exchange Over Senate Committee Exclusion
Despite my prompt response, I was subsequently told that I responded too late and would not be attending,” she said.
“I should not be treated differently from other women, especially concerning an event focused on the betterment of women.”
The lawmaker’s outburst highlighted broader concerns about internal coordination among female legislators in the Senate, where women remain significantly underrepresented.
Observers note that the issue underscores ongoing challenges in fostering solidarity and equitable participation within political institutions.
As debates around gender inclusion and representation continue nationwide, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s remarks have drawn attention to the need for transparency and fairness in the selection process for international engagements tied to women’s advocacy.