The Nigerian Senate leadership has removed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) from the country’s delegation to the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) currently underway in New York, replacing her with a male senator despite the event focusing on women’s issues. Akpoti-Uduaghan had initially complained on February 25 that she was sidelined despite submitting the required documents.
Senate Committee on Women Affairs Chair Ireti Kingibe initially assured her inclusion, but a March 5 letter confirmed only Kingibe and Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (Chairman, Judiciary Committee) as the final delegates. A Senate staff member alleged, anonymously, that Akpoti-Uduaghan was removed over concerns she might raise controversial issues and tarnish Nigeria’s image, a reference to her ongoing sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Nigeria has one of the world’s lowest female parliamentary representations at under 5%.
Key Points
Akpoti-Uduaghan was removed from the UN women’s event delegation, replaced by a male senator.
The event focuses on improving justice access for women and girls.
Staff source alleges removal over fear she might raise sexual harassment allegations.
Nigeria’s female parliamentary representation is below 5%, one of the world’s lowest.
Critics say move undermines commitment to women’s political inclusion.
A female senator was removed from a UN women’s event, replaced by a man; Nigeria’s delegation to CSW70 becomes a symbol of the very exclusion the forum seeks to address.
Sources: Premium Times, Daily Post
