By Adeboye Ado

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Following the suspension of Sen Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Upper Chamber, women from the Akoko extraction have urged the lawmakers to rescind their decision.

The Hope recalled that the decision followed the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which found her guilty of misconduct and failure to appear before the committee.

The suspension stems from allegations of sexual harassment that Akpoti-Uduaghan levelled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

She accused Akpabio of obstructing her legislative motions, particularly those concerning the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

Speaking on the development, Mrs. Juliana Orunkoyi , a retired civil servant, said the six months suspension would further exacerbate the crisis, adding that true reconciliation would have nipped the issue in the bud in lieu of suspension.

Orunkoyi also placated Senator Godswill Akpabio to put the issue behind and quash the suspension of the lawmaker.

She said, “the six-month suspension given to Senator Natasha is too severe.

“This decision means she will not be able to represent her senatorial district at the National Assembly, which is unfair to both her and the people who elected her. Every senator plays a crucial role in lawmaking, and keeping her away for such a long time is not in the best interest of her constituents.

“I urge the Senate President to reconsider this decision and allow the issue to be resolved naturally.

“It is important that lawmakers handle conflicts with wisdom and fairness rather than imposing punishments that may seem excessive.

“A legislative body should encourage dialogue and peaceful resolution, rather than sidelining elected representatives.

“Instead of issuing a harsh suspension, the lawmakers should have explored other ways to settle the matter. Holding a closed-door meeting would have provided an opportunity for both parties to discuss their differences and reach a mutual understanding.

“This approach would have promoted peace and unity within the Senate while maintaining the integrity of the legislative process.

Similarly, Mrs. Grace Bamidele  from Akoko North West Local Government, described the suspension as harsh, adding that the crisis is resolvable.

Bamidele, however urged Natasha to remain unpertubed amidst the crisis, advising her to keep praying for God’s intervention.

“The six-month suspension is too harsh and should have been reconsidered. Instead of imposing such a severe penalty, the lawmakers should have taken a more understanding approach, especially since the issue could have been resolved through dialogue.

“Senator Natasha’s absence from the National Assembly for such a long period will affect her ability to represent her people, which is unfair to her constituents.

“I encourage Sen. Natasha to remain strong and continue praying for God’s intervention. Sometimes, challenges arise, but with patience and faith, solutions can come unexpectedly. She should stay hopeful and trust that justice will prevail in due time.

 Chief Mrs. Taiwo Ogedengbe called for the immediate reinstatement of Natasha, adding that the suspension would not quell the matter.

“I urge the Senate to immediately reinstate Senator Natasha because keeping her away for six months is unfair. A long suspension like this will not only affect her personally but also prevent her from representing the people who elected her.

“Every lawmaker has a responsibility to serve their constituents, and denying her that opportunity for such a long period is not the best decision.

“Senator Natasha deserves a chance to continue her work in the National Assembly. Whatever issues led to this suspension should have been resolved in a better way, rather than sidelining her for half a year. Instead of punishment, dialogue and reconciliation should have been prioritized to maintain unity within the Senate.

“I also appeal to Senator Akpabio to let go of the matter and allow peace to prevail. As the Senate President, he plays a key role in promoting harmony among lawmakers, and forgiving this issue would help create a more cooperative working environment”