Former member of the Pan‑African Parliament and the ECOWAS Parliament, Fatoumatta Njai, has voiced disappointment over the challenges confronting female senators in Nigeria. She noted that one in four women in the Nigerian Senate is grappling with various issues. Njai made these remarks during an interview on Arise Television, where she also discussed the recent case of Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan.
Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was barred from resuming her Senate duties after serving a six‑month suspension. The Senate cited a pending court case as the reason for the delay. Njai argued that the sub judice nature of the case should not prevent the senator’s return, since she has already completed her suspension.
As a Pan‑Africanist and former ECOWAS Parliament member, Njai is familiar with Nigerian politics and the obstacles women face within the parliamentary system. She emphasized the difficulties women parliamentarians encounter both in getting elected and in serving their terms. Her comments come at a time when women’s representation in Nigerian politics remains relatively low, sparking concerns about the treatment of female senators and the potential impact on their ability to perform their duties.
The Senate’s decision to block Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan has raised questions about the role of the judiciary in parliamentary affairs. Njai’s statement underscores the need for greater support and protection for female parliamentarians in Nigeria, ensuring they can fulfill their mandates without undue obstacles. As the country navigates its political landscape, the experiences of female senators like Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan will be closely watched, with implications for broader women’s representation. The situation highlights the importance of addressing the challenges faced by women in parliament and promoting a more inclusive, equitable political environment.
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