Following the altercation between the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, over seat allocation in the Red Chamber on Thursday, a non-governmental organization, the Middle-Belt Vanguard, has condemned the alleged rampant intimidation and discrimination against women in leadership.
The group also called on the Senate to serve as a platform for integrity, justice, and fairness, rather than one of intimidation and humiliation.
President of the group, Godwin Meliga, in a statement signed and released to journalists in Abuja, criticized Akpabio for publicly humiliating the senator, citing a previous incident where he made disparaging remarks about her speaking without recognition.
According to Meliga, the Senate President’s behavior was not an isolated event.
“On February 20, 2025, Akpabio reallocated Senate seats but failed to consult or notify the affected senators, including Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan,” he stated.
Meliga pointed out that while the Senate President has the authority to assign seats, fairness and due process dictate that senators should be informed beforehand