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Summary
WIMBIZ strongly condemned Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's unjust suspension and Mrs Folake Soetan's intense intimidation and harassment by the Nigerian Air Force.
In reaction to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unjust suspension from the Senate and the intense intimidation and harassment of Ikeja Electric CEO, ss. Folake Soetan, the Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) has criticised the increasing discrimination against women in leadership positions across Nigeria.
WIMBIZ is a non-governmental organisation that has built sustainable platforms that enlighten and empower women in career, business, politics and public service. It advocates for women’s voices and rights.
Citing the two incidents as evidence of systematic bias and hostility, WIMBIZ themed Senator Natasha’s treatment as “punitive measures” that lack fair hearing and silence the Senator. The violent siege on Mrs Folake was condemned as a flagrant abuse of power.
The organisation emphasised that these incidents showcased a concerning pattern of undue intimidation, scrutiny, and violence faced by women in leadership positions in Nigeria. It further stated that women in leadership positions such as business, politics, or public service are often subjected to intimidation and even physical harm. Additionally, the underrepresentation of women and the gender inequality they face contribute significantly to a nation’s backwardness.
In its released statement on Friday, WIMBIZ vehemently condemns all forms of harassment, discrimination, and violence against women and calls for a fair hearing for Senator Natasha Apkoti-Uduaghan and an immediate and independent investigation into the assault on Mrs Folake Soetan, with swift legal and disciplinary actions against those responsible. The organisation also requested institutional safeguards that ensure all individuals—regardless of gender—can seek redress without fear of retribution, a stronger protection for women in leadership, reinforcing the importance of due process, fairness, and accountability in all sectors.
The group further requested a renewed national commitment to gender equity, ensuring women can lead and contribute to Nigeria’s development without fear of bias, intimidation, or harm. Their statement joins several of the interventions feminist groups have implemented towards ensuring justice for Senator Natasha ahead of International Women’s Day.
