Souuth-South women on Friday commended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for her courage, boldness, and contributions to national development, describing her as a hero and source of inspiration.
In a statement issued in Asaba, Delta State, by the Chairman of South-South Women in Politics, Chief Rita Okonji, the group urged the Senate Committee on Ethics not to make recommendations influenced by special interests, warning against decisions that could plunge Nigeria into pain and tragedy.
The women condemned the alienation of female politicians, gender-based discrimination, and bullying in the political space. They criticized the negative labeling of successful women as “rude” by detractors, emphasized that such labels did not apply to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent actions.
“The Ethics Committee should identify and diagnose the crisis at its roots. We expect objective and constructive recommendations, not destructive ones,” the statement read.
The group called on male politicians to uphold democratic principles, foster gender understanding, and treat female colleagues with dignity and respect.
“Our dignity and survival are jeopardized by deliberate actions against women. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s action marks the beginning of genuine change in male attitudes towards women in Nigeria,” they added.
The women pledged unwavering support for Akpoti-Uduaghan and other female politicians facing difficulties, stressing that the country must not drift into becoming a government of only men.
“We bear malice to none. Our reaction is solely in support of gender understanding and human love,” the statement concluded.
