Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has expressed disappointment that she was prevented from contributing to the debate on the Criminal Code Amendment Bill, sponsored in the House of Representatives and presented for concurrence by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, which proposes stiffer penalties for individuals found guilty of aiding or procuring abortions.
The senator said she felt excluded from a conversation that directly concerns women’s rights and health.
“I am disappointed I wasn’t allowed to speak about an issue that concerns women,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said on Tuesday, according to TheCable’s report.
“I am a woman, a mother, and I feel like I should have been recognised to speak, especially as we were only two women in the senate today during plenary; myself and Senator Banigo.
“My hand was up throughout the debate and I felt that the senate president should have recognised me.”
She added that she remains passionate about issues affecting women and intend to make her inputs when the bill reaches the committee stage.
Akpoti-Uduaghan recently returned from a six-month suspension.
She was suspended from the red chamber on March 6 for gross misconduct. She had refused to apologize, but preferred to serve out the six months suspension-punishment.
