A non-governmental group known as Kogi Women Assembly has stated that while Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision to take the issue to the international stage might have drawn attention, it is unlikely to yield results as effective as internal deliberations.
The leader of the group and former Kogi State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Aspirant, and a Rallying Voice for Nigerians in Europe, Princess Grace Iye Adejoh, made this known in a press statement made available to journalists on Thursday in Lokoja.
She called for an amicable truce to resolve the ongoing saga between Nigeria’s Senate and the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
She, therefore, appealed to Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan to return home, adding that “Many of us are actively working—both publicly and behind the scenes—to ensure that this crisis does not escalate further.”
While calling for positive interventions through dialogue and mediation by elders and interest groups, Adejoh reaffirmed the group’s support for Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“In the last month, few national issues have captured the attention of Nigerians, both online and offline, as intensely as the Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan vs. Senate saga.
“Each day seems to bring new twists, fuelling what has become a raging fire of controversy.
“Over the weekend, I lent my voice to the call for a truce between the Senate and my sister, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“From the start, my stance has been clear—the six-month suspension imposed on Natasha is excessive and carries far-reaching consequences for the people of Kogi State.
“With her suspension, their voices are effectively silenced in the Senate, which is unfair to those she represents.
“Interestingly, many voices have also emerged, urging the Senate to consider a more amicable or lenient resolution in the interest of Nigeria, a country that has already become a subject of ridicule in many circles.
“While we hoped for positive interventions through dialogue and mediation by elders and interest groups, I was taken aback by the senator’s decision to take the matter before the UN Inter-Parliamentary Union.
“Was this a wise move? Perhaps not. It seems premature.
“Apart from a few political adversaries and envious individuals, Natasha is widely loved and respected. Her intelligence, resilience, and compassionate nature have not only made her a leading figure in Kogi State but also someone admired even by those who may not always agree with her.
“It is no surprise that she has received overwhelming support since this battle began. Many of us have vowed to stand by her side until justice is served and she is reinstated. However, taking the matter outside our national ‘family circle’ comes as a surprise,” she said.
The women leader noted that as a democracy still in its formative stages, Nigeria faced its share of growing pains, often reflected in governance, noting that, “In this particular case, the odds favoured Senator Natasha.
“With strong backing from women’s groups, civil rights organisations, and stakeholders from Kogi State, a positive resolution seemed likely through domestic pressure and negotiation.
“At this point, the matter remains a ‘family dispute’ that can still be resolved through dialogue and compromise.
“We had expected that more elders would intervene to douse the flames, allowing us to focus on more pressing national issues such as hunger, insurgency, and security crises that claim thousands of lives daily.
“Now is not the time for hasty decisions, no matter how strategic they may seem.
“To the Senate, I once again appeal—let us resolve this matter internally, as a family. Instead of allowing Nigeria’s reputation to be further tarnished, this is an opportunity to prove that we can handle our own affairs maturely. Yes, we can.
“This is not a contest of ‘winners and losers.’ The bigger picture is Nigeria’s national interest.
“The UN Inter-Parliamentary Union has expressed interest in hearing from both sides.
“I sincerely hope that our Senate, Natasha, and the Senate President will take the noble path and resolve this dispute before it escalates further or even before a ‘hearing’ by the UN.
“We are more than capable of doing so, and I trust we will. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Adejoh said.
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