Investigative journalist and social commentator, Dr. Kemi Olunloyo, has strongly criticized the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, linking it to a broader pattern of gender inequality in Nigerian politics.
In a statement shared on social media, Olunloyo expressed disappointment over what she described as the continued suppression of women in leadership, citing past incidents where female politicians were sidelined or mistreated.
“The suspension of @NatashaAkpoti is an example of why I pressured the @NigeriaSenate to pass the Gender Equality Bill in 2015. My Senator at the time was a female—Monsurat Sunmonu, the first female Speaker in Oyo State,” Olunloyo wrote.
She also referenced a recent incident where a female Speaker was allegedly removed from her position in what she termed a “domestic coup,” arguing that women in leadership continue to face systemic challenges.
Beyond politics, Olunloyo expanded on the issue of sexual harassment, recalling her own experience involving Nigerian singer Davido in 2018.
She alleged that the artist made inappropriate remarks towards her, and despite public awareness, no one held him accountable.
“Sexual harassment does NOT belong in our schools, workplaces, or communities. The National Assembly is a workplace where lawmakers should be working for the people,” she stated.
She further condemned Senate President Godswill Akpabio, saying it was shameful for such actions to occur during Women’s History Month, a time meant to celebrate and uplift women.
“Shame on Speaker Akpabio in a month where we celebrate women, and shame on anyone supporting the Senate. Not every lady is a prostitute,” she declared.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate following her allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of power against Senate President Akpabio.
The development has sparked public debate, with many calling for a review of how gender issues are handled in the political space.