The recent exclusion of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) meeting has sparked concerns about the state of democracy in Nigeria. Senator Natasha, representing Kogi Central, was deliberately left out of the invitation list and attendance register, despite being a senator from the North Central zone.
This incident highlights a disturbing trend of marginalization and exclusion in Nigerian politics. Senator Natasha’s exclusion is not just a personal affront but a blow to the democratic principles of representation and participation. It raises questions about the fairness and transparency of the legislative process, particularly in the allocation of development funds.
The NCDC is responsible for overseeing development projects in the North Central region, making Senator Natasha’s exclusion a significant concern for her constituents. Her exclusion denies Kogi Central representation and a voice in decisions affecting their socio-economic development.
Senator Titus Zam, the committee chairman, claimed that being a senator from North Central doesn’t automatically make one a member of the committee. However, this doesn’t justify excluding Senator Natasha, especially since she’s from the region the committee serves, coupled with the fact that the two Senators from the other two constituencies of her State – Kogi State are included.
This incident sets a worrying precedent for Nigerian democracy, suggesting that some lawmakers are more equal than others. It undermines the principles of fairness, accountability, and representation that democracy is built on.
However, Senator Natasha Akpoti, a dogged fighter, who’s determined to serve her people against all odds has stated unequivocally that she’ll continue to advocate for equitable treatment and defending her mandate given to her by her people of Kogi Central. The incident has sparked discussions within political and parliamentary circles, with observers calling for strict adherence to legislative procedures and transparency in committee administration.
It’s obvious that the APC led administration both at the Presidency and at the National Assembly want to coarce Senator Natasha to defect to APC by hook or by crook and by fire by force, and Senator Natasha is not yielding to their pressure by every mean possible, hence the cause of all these shenanigans of sidelining, marginalisation and intimidation. The APC government should understand that they can only intimidate and win by force, those with skeletons in their cupboards to their side, and not a Distinguished Senator like Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the Senate’s action, calling it a “brazen, premeditated assault on democracy” and a “dangerous slide towards fascism”.
The Nigerian Senate must address this issue and ensure all Senators are treated equally and with respect. Anything less would be a disservice to the people and a threat to democratic values.