By Nwafor Sunday

Public affairs analyst and human rights advocate, Mazi Sam Okereke, has criticized Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent remarks at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Women’s Conference, where she lamented her suspension from the Nigerian Senate and raised allegations against the Senate President.

In a statement, Okereke expressed concerns over what he described as a one-sided narrative presented by the senator. According to him, Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to acknowledge the Senate’s internal disciplinary process, which led to her suspension. He argued that the disciplinary action was taken in accordance with the institution’s rules and was not a form of victimization, as the senator suggested.

Okereke stated that the senator’s address at the IPU conference did not reflect the broader context of the situation and omitted key aspects of the Senate’s regulations. He maintained that the Senate’s decision to impose a six-month suspension was a constitutional measure meant to uphold institutional integrity.

Additionally, Okereke criticized the manner in which the senator handled her grievances, emphasizing that due process should have been followed rather than escalating the matter on an international stage. He noted that such an approach could undermine public trust in democratic institutions and the processes designed to ensure fairness.

Regarding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations, Okereke urged that any claims should be subjected to proper investigative channels, including the judiciary and relevant oversight bodies. He called for a fair and balanced approach to resolving disputes within democratic institutions, rather than what he described as attempts to sway public opinion through external platforms.

He concluded by reaffirming the importance of upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and due process in governance, urging all public officials to adhere to institutional guidelines and avoid actions that could disrupt legislative order.