Women groups under the Coalition for Women in Governance have rejected the suspension of the Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as an assault on democracy and a deliberate attempt to silence women in leadership.

The coalition threatened to mobilise women for a massive protest if the decision was not reversed.

The PUNCH reports that the Senate suspended Natasha for six months after she submitted a petition on Thursday, alleging she had been sexually harassed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, one of the coalition’s leaders, Ambassador Zainab Mohammed, condemned the Senate’s action, calling it a blatant disregard for the rule of law.

She noted that the suspension defied a court order halting any disciplinary action against Natasha, making the move illegal and a direct attack on democratic principles.

Mohammed said, “The Senate’s decision is not just an injustice against one woman; it is an attack on the democratic rights of the people she represents.

“This is a dangerous precedent that sends a message to every Nigerian who dares to challenge power.”

She demanded the immediate reinstatement of Natasha and called on the Senate to respect judicial authority by reversing its decision.

“The true test of democracy is not in words but in action. We will not stand by while democracy is undermined. We will take to the streets if necessary to ensure justice prevails,” she added.

The President and Founder of the Pan African Young Women Development Initiative, Dr. Jophia Gupar, stated that the issue transcends Natasha as an individual and affects all Nigerian women.

She, however, criticised the three other female senators for failing to support the Kogi lawmaker.

Gupar said, “It is not about Natasha; it is about Nigerian women. The implication of what these senators are doing is discouraging our women from speaking out when they are harassed.

“I feel sorry for the three other women in the Senate. If they like, let them keep quiet, but what you sow is what you will reap. These senators should know they have daughters. There is the law of karma.” (The PUNCH)