The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has pledged to mediate peace between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP/Kogi Central) and Senate President Godswill Akpabio following the heated controversy that led to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension from the Senate.
Speaking at a Meet-the-Press session on Friday, Minister Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the situation as unfortunate and emphasized the need for reconciliation.
“We are committed to brokering peace,” she stated. “In the last assembly, we had nine female senators, but now we are down to just four. We cannot afford to lose any more representation in the Senate or House of Representatives. Our focus is to increase the numbers, not diminish them.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim revealed that during the National Assembly’s International Women’s Day event, Akpabio had expressed openness to resolving the matter.
“As an intermediary, we will engage all stakeholders and work towards a resolution that fosters unity,” she added. “We must continue to educate and empower women so they can collaborate effectively with men in leadership.”
With tensions still high, all eyes are now on the Ministry’s peace efforts to see if it can successfully bridge the divide and restore harmony within the Senate.
