Global Partnership for Justice and Democracy (GPJD) Calls for Honest Discourse on Senate Proceedings, Rejects Misrepresentation of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghans Suspension.
The Global Partnership for Justice and Democracy (GPJD) is deeply concerned by the ongoing efforts to misrepresent the facts surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate. Contrary to misleading narratives being peddled to the international community, Senator Akpoti- Uduaghan was not suspended for making allegations of sexual harassment but for her continued unruly, disruptive, and disorderly conduct within the Senate chambers.
It is irresponsible and dangerous to falsely frame her suspension as an attack on women’s rights or a cover-up of alleged misconduct. The truth remains that her actions violated the ethical standards and decorum of the Senate, leading to disciplinary measures. Attempts to distort this reality not only undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions but also diminish the legitimate fight against sexual harassment by weaponizing falsehoods for personal and political gain.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in adherence to due process, recused himself from the matter, allowing the Senate to deliberate and act independently. The decision to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was a collective decision based on Senate rules, and her disruptive behavior was widely acknowledged as a violation of parliamentary order. No democracy can thrive if disorder and falsehoods are permitted to overshadow the legislative process.
Furthermore, we urge the international community to be wary of misleading appeals that distort facts to attract unwarranted global intervention. Nigeria’s Senate is an autonomous institution governed by clear legislative rules and procedures. It is inappropriate for foreign organizations to demand actions based on a false premise while ignoring the Senate’s right to discipline its members in accordance with due process.
Weaponizing sexual harassment claims for political manipulation not only weakens the fight against gender-based violence but also erodes public trust in legitimate victims who come forward with genuine cases. This issue is too important to be reduced to a tool for personal or political vendettas. False claims do not empower women; they destroy credibility and hinder real progress.
We stand firmly with the Nigerian Senate in upholding order, decorum, and justice. We call on all well-meaning organizations to base their advocacy on truth, not propaganda, and to resist being drawn into political theatrics designed to distort reality.
The world is watching, and history will not be kind to those who recklessly misrepresent the facts to serve personal interests.
