A former member of the Pan-African Parliament and the ECOWAS Parliament, Fatoumatta Njai, has expressed disappointment over the challenges faced by female senators in Nigeria. According to Njai, one out of four women in the Nigerian Senate is struggling with various issues. She made this statement during an interview on Arise Television, where she discussed the recent case of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was prevented from resuming her duties in the Senate 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 hinder Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return to the Senate, as she has already served her suspension.
As a Pan-Africanist and former member of the ECOWAS Parliament, Njai has some knowledge of Nigerian politics and the obstacles women face in the country’s parliamentary system. She emphasized the difficulties women parliamentarians encounter in getting elected and serving their terms. Njai’s comments come at a time when women’s representation in Nigerian politics is still relatively low.
The incident has sparked concerns about the treatment of female senators in Nigeria and the potential impact on their ability to carry out their duties. The Nigerian Senate’s decision to prevent Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her duties has raised questions about the role of the judiciary in parliamentary affairs.
Njai’s statement highlights the need for greater support and protection for female parliamentarians in Nigeria, ensuring they can fulfill their mandates without undue obstacles. As the country continues to navigate its political landscape, the experiences of female senators like Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will be closely watched, with implications for the broader representation of women in Nigerian politics. The situation underscores the importance of addressing the challenges faced by women in parliament, promoting a more inclusive and equitable political environment.
