Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, voiced frustration on Thursday over her reported marginalization from certain Senate activities.
Speaking passionately on the Senate floor during the budget defence of the Committee on Women Affairs, she accused the Committee Chairman, Ireti Kingibe, of excluding her from key committee engagements.
Senator Natatsha Akpoti-Uduaghan also raised concerns about the lack of unity and coordination among female senators in relation to a major global women’s event, emphasizing her sense of being sidelined in the process.
The lawmaker noted the limited female representation in the Senate, raising a concern regarding an invitation to attend the UN’s Commission on the State of Women, CSW, event in New York.
According to the senator, she was informed of the invitation and was told to provide her passport for processing.
She said despite responding within three hours, she was later told by the Ministry of Women Affairs that she could no longer attend due to a late response.
“I was only informed about the event yesterday at 1:00 pm, and I immediately responded with my passport. Despite my prompt response, I was subsequently told that I responded too late and would not be attending.
“I should not be treated differently from other women, especially concerning an event focused on the betterment of women,” Natasha said.
