Gladness Gideon
The Nigerian Women Crusade for Good Governance has issued a public apology to Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the alleged misconduct of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a press conference held in Abuja, the group condemned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions in the Senate chamber, describing them as “gross misconduct” and a direct undermining of the ongoing fight for greater inclusion of women in governance.
Dr. Cecilia Ikechukwu, the National Coordinator of the group, stated that the senator’s behaviour in the chamber had not only reflected poorly on her but also had a damaging effect on the long-standing efforts by women across the country to secure better representation and leadership roles in politics.
“Women have fought tirelessly for representation, proving their competence and capability. However, Senator Natasha’s actions cast a shadow over this collective effort,” Ikechukwu remarked.
She accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of engaging in a pattern of reckless behaviour that has reportedly tarnished the reputation of female politicians in the country.
The group referenced past controversies surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan, including allegations of blackmail attempts against public figures. They called for the senator to reflect on her actions during her six-month suspension, urging her to reassess her approach to governance and uphold the values of respect and integrity in the public sphere.
“While we acknowledge that personal experiences shape behaviour, this is no excuse for unruly conduct. Public figures must uphold values of respect and integrity,” Ikechukwu emphasized.
Despite their criticism of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions, the Nigerian Women Crusade for Good Governance reaffirmed its strong support for Senate President Akpabio, commending his contributions to promoting women’s political inclusion.
READ ALSO: SERAP to Akpabio:’Revoke Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension or Face Court Action‘
Ikechukwu noted that Akpabio has consistently championed the cause of female leadership by appointing women to key positions within his administration.
“Senator Akpabio has championed female leadership, appointing women to key positions. It is ironic that a woman who claims to support representation would disrespect such a leader,” Ikechukwu added.
In conclusion, the group made it clear that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct should not be used to define the character of female politicians as a whole. They called on women leaders to remain committed to upholding dignity and professionalism, ensuring that their actions contribute to the collective progress towards good governance and the advancement of women in political spheres.
“We remain committed to good governance and ensuring that the achievements of women in politics are not overshadowed,” Dr. Ikechukwu concluded.
The statement has stirred a fresh conversation on the challenges faced by women in Nigerian politics, particularly in terms of maintaining professionalism and integrity while pushing for more inclusive governance.