Sen Natasha dropped from UN women’s delegation, replaced by man

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has been dropped from Nigeria’s delegation to the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) currently underway in New York, United States

The global gathering, which started on March 9 at the United Nations headquarters and is scheduled to end on March 19, focuses on strengthening access to justice for women and girls while promoting gender equality among member states.

Although the conference centres on women’s rights and empowerment, Akpoti-Uduaghan was removed from the Nigerian delegation and replaced with a male lawmaker, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire.

The Kogi senator had earlier expressed concerns during a Senate Committee on Appropriations meeting on February 25, stating that she had been sidelined after initially being invited by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to participate in the event.

According to Premium Times, the ministry had requested the photo page of her international passport, which she reportedly submitted within hours. However, she was later informed that she would no longer attend the conference because her details were allegedly submitted late.

Earlier, the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Senator Ireti Kingibe, had dismissed claims that Akpoti-Uduaghan had been removed from the delegation.

Kingibe explained that she had nominated the Kogi senator for the trip after two other female lawmakers — Idiat Adebule and Ipalibo Banigo — declined the invitation.

She had also assured Akpoti-Uduaghan that she would be included in the team, adding that she would personally stay back if the Kogi lawmaker was not allowed to attend.

However, in a letter dated March 5 addressed to Akpoti-Uduaghan, Kingibe clarified that the Ministry of Women Affairs had not responded to a request to sponsor members of the delegation.

She added that the Senate eventually approved only two representatives for the trip — herself and Senator Adegbonmire.

“For the sake of clarity, I can confirm that at this stage, only two members of the Senate have been officially nominated by the Senate President and have confirmed registration: myself, in my capacity as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, and Senator Adegbonmire Adeniyi Ayodele, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters.”

Kingibe also apologised for any inconvenience caused and advised Akpoti-Uduaghan that she could still attend the event personally if she already possessed a valid United States visa.

Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates