Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan faces senate drama

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Libya motion sparks mild drama as senators hesitate to second her call for repatriation of abused Nigerian women from Libyan prisons

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Libya’s motion has stirred mild drama in the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday after lawmakers initially declined to second her proposal seeking the repatriation of Nigerian women allegedly abused in Libyan prisons.

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The incident unfolded during deliberations on the reported human rights violations of Nigerian migrants detained in Libya.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had urged the Senate to intervene, describing the plight of the women as deeply distressing.

According to her, several Nigerian women are being sexually exploited by Libyan prison officials and forced to bear children while in detention a humanitarian crisis she said demands urgent national attention.

She therefore moved a motion calling on the Senate to direct the Nigerian Immigration Service to engage with Libyan authorities and facilitate the women’s safe repatriation.

However, after her presentation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio invited any lawmaker to second the motion a standard parliamentary procedure before debate.

In a surprising turn, none of the senators, including the female lawmakers, initially rose to support it, leaving the chamber in an uncomfortable silence.

The deadlock lasted several moments until Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele eventually stood up to second the motion, breaking the impasse and allowing proceedings to continue.

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The motion has since sparked discussions within and outside the National Assembly, highlighting both the sensitivities of migrant rights and the politics of solidarity within Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber.

Quadri Olaitan