President, Nigerians in Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (NiDCC), Ms Patience Ndidi Key, has called for the immediate reinstatement of the Senator representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Key, who said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, also called for a fair investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The NiDCC boss, however,, urged the Senate to lift Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension while calling for the establishment of an independent panel to investigate the sexual harassment allegations thoroughly and impartially.

Tribune Online reports that the Senate Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions Committee, on March 6, 2025, recommended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension for six months.

Key said the unfolding drama in the Senate surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations once again exposed the dysfunction, self-serving agenda, and lack of integrity within the legislative arm of the government, saying her (Akpoti-Uduaghan) suspension raised fundamental concerns about justice, gender equity, due process, and the abuse of power in our democracy.

“This development raises serious concerns about the future of women in Nigerian politics. If a sitting senator can be suspended and silenced for speaking up, what hope is there for ordinary Nigerian women who suffer harassment and intimidation daily?

“Sexual harassment is a serious crime, and it must never be trivialized, ignored, or used as a political tool. However, timing matters. Victims of harassment must speak up immediately and follow due process to ensure that the law takes its course.

“Delayed allegations weaken the credibility of the claim and give room for political manipulation. Silence empowers abusers. If any Nigerian, male or female, is subjected to harassment, they must report it immediately, demand justice, and ensure accountability,” the NiDCC president submitted.

Key said the Senate, as a democratic institution, should not be seen using procedural technicalities to suppress opposition and silence dissenting voices while advising the upper chamber to rather prioritize addressing challenges in the health sector, youth unemployment, and economic crisis facing the country.

“This entire episode proves that Nigeria’s political system needs a radical transformation. The current disciplinary mechanisms must be reviewed to prevent abuse of power and ensure equal treatment of all members, regardless of their gender or political stance.

“I also call for a serious commitment to gender equity in politics. Nigeria needs more women in governance. The silencing of female voices in leadership must end. Women in politics must be protected, empowered, and given the respect they deserve.

“The Senate must redirect its focus toward serving the Nigerian people by passing laws that solve real problems, not engaging in personal vendettas.”

She urged Nigerians to hold their senators accountable and demand transparency, justice, and leadership, calling on victims of harassment to speak up always.