Senator Natasha Raises Alarm over Being Sidelined in Senate Activities

The lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has raised concerns over what she described as deliberate exclusion from key Senate engagements.

She voiced her displeasure on Thursday during plenary while the Senate considered the budget defence of the Committee on Women Affairs.

Her remarks were directed at the committee leadership, which she accused of sidelining her from important activities.

Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that the Chairman of the Committee on Women Affairs, Ireti Kingibe, failed to carry her along in decisions affecting female lawmakers, particularly on international engagements linked to women’s advocacy.

She questioned the level of unity among female senators and expressed disappointment over what she described as poor coordination in matters involving women-focused programmes.

The senator highlighted the issue of limited female representation in the National Assembly and said this made inclusion and cooperation even more critical.

Her complaint centered on an invitation to attend the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women meeting in New York.

According to her, she was informed about the invitation and asked to submit her passport for processing. She said she complied within hours but was later told that she would no longer be part of the delegation.

Akpoti-Uduaghan disclosed that officials of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs later explained that her response came too late, a claim she rejected.

She stated on the floor of the Senate:
“I was only informed about the event yesterday at 1:00 pm, and I immediately responded with my passport. Despite my prompt response, I was subsequently told that I responded too late and would not be attending.

“I should not be treated differently from other women, especially concerning an event focused on the betterment of women.”

Her comments drew attention to internal disagreements within the Senate’s women caucus and renewed debate about transparency in selecting delegates for international conferences.

Some senators were seen consulting among themselves as she spoke, while the presiding officers urged calm and noted that the matter would be looked into through appropriate channels.

Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted that no female senator should be isolated from opportunities meant to promote women’s development and representation at the global level.

However, She called for fairness and improved communication among colleagues, warning that repeated exclusion could weaken the collective voice of women in the legislature.