Share this
10th March, 2025
NIGERIAN YOUTHS CONDEMN THE INVOLVEMENT OF LP SENATOR NEDA IMASUEN IN THE CONTROVERSIAL HUMILIATION AND SUSPENSION OF A YOUTHFUL SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN.
Greetings to you members of the press, ladies and gentlemen.
Though we are members of the Labour Party, but this briefing is done on behalf of the Nigerian Youths who see me as their leader and voice in times like this, when their rights are trampled and injustices meted. We have chosen not to be silenced or forced to keep silent in the face of abuse of privilege by some privileged individuals who are hiding under the cover of hallowed chambers of the National Assembly.
The recent development in the revered red chamber of the 10th National Assembly over the past week has prompted us to call for this media briefing.
It’s no longer news that one non-compliant Labour Party,Senator, Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District was used as a willing tool to perpetuate what has been widely described as injustice and the humiliation of a Youthful voice in the senate, Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan without proper investigation.
We, the Nigerian youths, have in clear terms, condemn such rascality perpetrated by the Ethics and Privilege committee led by Neda Imasuen in clear violation of an order of the court. .
It’s clear to the Nigerian youths that an investigative panel, which was set for 11th March 2025, was mysteriously rescheduled to hold on 5th March 2025. Our question remains, “What is the haste for???”
It is on record that this 10th Senate is not known to have shown much urgency or speed in most of their public hearing that has direct bearing with public interest such as the call for the amendment of the electoral act that will lead to electoral reform; or security sector or economic reforms, amongst others, but they were in a haste to suspend an opposition voice using a readily available, unseasoned opposition senator who has never added any value to the Labour Party since he was elected.
Given such a hasty decision to suspend Natasha, Senator Neda Imasuen and his subsequent posturing afterwards has no doubt left everyone in shock about his possible dislike for womenfolk, a character which may be construed as being a misogynist. To the best of our knowledge, the Labour Party is a party for social democrats with tremendous respect for the female gender and the youth alike. It also believes so much in the principles of fair hearing, rule of law and gender parity.
We therefore make the following demands:
1. The 10th Senate should immediately rescind the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and reconstitute a morally and mentally balanced committee to do proper investigative hearing of the matter to salvage the already tainted image of the 10th Senate. We demand that Senator Neda Imasuen be recused from the reconstituted Committee.
2. The Nigerians Youths are by this statement calling on the people of Edo South to immediately commence a recall process for Senator Neda Imasuen for his poor representation and conduct at the Senate. On the matter concerning the distinguished Senator Natasha, it has been observed that Senator Imasuen has not satisfactorily applied internationally accepted principles of fair hearing in making recommendation which lead to the controversial suspension of distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
3. We urge President Bola Tinubu to save the face of Nigeria in the Committee of Nations by speaking up against the humiliation suffered by the female genda in the Nigerian politics of which his wife as a serving Senator in the 9th Assembly also faced. Mr President must ensure that his government work to preserve the democratic principles of fairness and rule of law.
4. The Nigerians Youths are also demanding that the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio must present himself for investigation by an unbiased arm of government. He cannot continue to use his privilege position to frustrate the call for justice by the victim, Senator Natasha. A situation where one man will be a judge in his own matter like Senator Akpabio did must be denounced and condemned.
In conclusion, we shall continue to speak despite the intimidating and threatening political environment in Nigeria ochestrtaed by the current rulling oligarchy.
Thanks for your time.
Prince Kennedy Ahanotu
