An Open Letter To The President Of Federal Republic Of Nigeria
His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Aso Rock Villa
Abuja, Nigeria
Dear President Tinubu,
Urgent Call for Action Against Gender-Based Intimidation in the Nigerian Senate
I hope this letter finds you in good health and unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy and justice. As the President of Freedom Advocates Network (FAN), an organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights globally, I am compelled as a concern citizen of Nigeria/America to address a pressing issue within the Nigerian Senate that undermines the principles of rule of law and justice.
Background
Recent developments indicate a troubling pattern of gender-based intimidation directed at Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Reports indicate that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has faced disciplinary actions following allegations of misconduct and a clash over seating arrangements with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
It was gathered that certain members of the Senate Ethic Committee, including high-ranking officials, have engaged in actions aimed at undermining and humiliating Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, ostensibly due to her gender and her steadfast commitment to transparency and accountability. Notably, the Senate Committee has suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months without salary following her petition of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
These events have sparked discussions about potential abuse of power and gender-based intimidation within the Senate.
Sir, as Human Rights Activists we make the following Recommendations Within Presidential Authority:
Your Excellency, while the Nigerian Constitution delineates specific powers to each branch of government, there are actions within your purview that can promote transparency and uphold democratic principles:
- Public Condemnation of Misconduct: We respectfully urge you, as President, to exercise the moral authority of your office by publicly denouncing the legislative branch’s abuse of power, particularly concerning the actions taken against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. By doing so, you would reaffirm the administration’s dedication to ethical governance and establish a standard for all public officials, ensuring a safe and equitable environment for lawmakers.
- Advocacy for Judicial Review: To uphold constitutional integrity and the principles of natural justice, it is imperative to encourage the Nigerian judiciary to conduct an independent review of the disciplinary actions taken against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Such a review would ensure that these actions align with constitutional provisions and uphold the principles of natural justice. This initiative would reinforce the system of checks and balances among the branches of government, promoting accountability and fairness. Notably, the Federal High Court in Abuja has already issued an interim order restraining the Senate from proceeding with disciplinary actions against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, highlighting the judiciary’s role in maintaining these checks and balances.
- Promotion of Legislative Self-Regulation: While respecting the autonomy of the legislative branch, it is important to advocate for the Senate’s strict adherence to its established rules and ethical guidelines. Encouraging self-regulation within the Senate can lead to internal reforms that prevent future misconduct. For example, the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged violations of Senate rules highlights the need for clear ethical standards and consistent enforcement.
- Engagement with Civil Society Organizations: Foster collaboration between the executive branch and civil society organizations to monitor and report on legislative activities. This partnership can serve as an additional layer of accountability and ensure that the actions of public officials are in the nation’s best interest.
- Support for Constitutional Amendments: To enhance accountability, consider proposing constitutional amendments that provide clear definitions of “gross misconduct” and establish streamlined procedures for addressing legislative misconduct. This initiative would promote transparency and strengthen the system of checks and balances within the government. Notably, current definitions, such as those in Sections 143(11) and 188(11) of the 1999 Constitution, are considered subjective, potentially leading to misuse.
- Support Systems for Victims: Establishing comprehensive support mechanisms for individuals facing discrimination or harassment within Nigerian government institutions is essential to promote a fair and inclusive environment. Key components of such support systems include accessible reporting channels, such as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which serves as an extra-judicial mechanism safeguarding human rights and assisting victims of violations. Additionally, the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) functions as an ombudsman, receiving complaints against government or private institutions and working towards resolution.
- Parliamentary Reforms: To prevent future misconduct within Nigeria’s Senate, it is essential to reform the existing code of conduct by implementing clearer definitions of unacceptable behaviors, establishing stringent penalties for violations, and enhancing the powers of the Ethics Committee to enforce these standards effectively. Additionally, regular training sessions for senators on ethical conduct and public accountability should be instituted to promote a culture of integrity and responsibility. These reforms would strengthen the legislative body’s credibility and ensure adherence to the highest ethical standards.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing a dedicated task force to monitor the implementation of these recommendations and report on progress is essential for ensuring accountability and transparency within Nigerian government institutions. This task force should include representatives from relevant ministries, human rights organizations, and civil society groups to provide diverse perspectives and expertise. Regular assessments and publicly accessible reports will help maintain momentum and address challenges during the implementation process. Existing bodies like the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) could serve as models or collaborators in this initiative, given their mandate to enhance public service efficiency and governance in Nigeria.
International Advocacy
Freedom Advocates Network (FAN) is prepared to escalate this matter to international platforms to ensure justice and accountability. We will submit detailed reports and recommendations to the United Nations, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, International Human Rights Commission and the United States Department of Homeland Security, advocating for sanctions, including travel bans, against all Senators found to have conspired to humiliate and intimidate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan based on her gender.
Conclusion
Your Excellency, the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions is paramount. By taking the above actions, your administration can demonstrate a steadfast commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. We trust that you will consider these recommendations earnestly to uphold the principles upon which Nigeria’s democracy stands.
In Community,
Dr. Kester O. Ezuma
President
Freedom Advocates Network (FAN)
Los Angeles, California
