By Lolade Ajayi
The DOHS Femicide Research Hub has strongly condemned the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, regarding it as a move that highlights the deep-rooted misogyny in Nigeria’s political system.
According to the group: “This is not just about a senator being silenced; it is about the broader pattern of oppression that forces women into submission and ultimately fuels violence against them. Silence is often used as a suppressive tool to mask abuse, an act which eventually spirals into the highest manifestation of Gender-Based Violence: Femicide!”
The group further stated that Nigerians must recognize the dangerous connection between suppressing women’s voices and the rising cases of Femicide in Nigeria.
The group stated: “A society that refuses to let women defend themselves, speak out, take up leadership or blame victims is the same society that ignores violence against women and girls. When we shut women up in the Senate, in workplaces, in homes, and in the streets, we create an environment where their lives are disposable.”
The group stressed that it stands with Senator Natasha, “because we know how sexual Harassment and victim blaming are shared experiences for many Nigerian Women and Girls. This disgraceful act only serves to enforce violence against Women as this case is a clear example of how institutions deliberately erase women who dare to speak up.”
The group also said: “This silencing is not just political; it enables and normalizes impunity against women across all sectors. We therefore demand that the senate president recuse himself from his seat as the investigation on this matter continues call on the general public to reject this injustice and demand Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement.
“We refuse to be silenced. We refuse to let misogynistic institutions erase women who fight for their rights. Today, it is Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, tomorrow, it could be any woman daring to speak. This injustice will not be sustained.”
