Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, has made shocking claims about the Nigerian Senate, describing it as a “cult” and accusing many lawmakers of being too afraid to speak out against wrongdoings for fear of victimization. The claims come in the wake of a sexual harassment allegation she leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, an issue that has sparked heated debate in the country’s political circles.
In an interview with the BBC, Akpoti-Uduaghan explained how she felt victimized by the political establishment, particularly after she took the harassment allegations to the United Nations in a bid to seek international justice. She argued that the overwhelming support Akpabio has received from other senators since the issue emerged is indicative of the fear that exists within the Senate. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has now been suspended for six months from the Senate, said the suspension was a tactic to silence her and prevent her from continuing to speak out.
The allegations against Senate President Akpabio surfaced after Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that she had experienced repeated inappropriate behavior from the Senate President. According to her account, these incidents occurred over several months and even included a personal visit to Akpabio’s country home. She recalled that during the visit, Akpabio allegedly took her around his house, with her husband walking behind them. During this time, she said Akpabio squeezed her hand in a manner she described as “suggestive.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a lawyer and outspoken advocate for women’s rights, detailed the moments in which she felt uncomfortable with the Senate President’s advances. “We women, we know what it means when a man squeezes our hands in a suggestive way,” she said, explaining that she felt disrespected and objectified by the gesture.
She also described another instance in the Senate where Akpabio allegedly made an inappropriate remark after noticing she was not wearing her wedding ring. “He said, ‘Oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring, is this an invitation to treat?’ You know, statements like this,” she added, emphasizing the inappropriate nature of his comments in a professional setting.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s revelations about Akpabio’s alleged behavior have further fueled her accusations that the Senate operates like a “cult.” In the BBC interview, she explained that many senators are too afraid to voice their opinions or challenge their colleagues, particularly when it comes to sensitive issues like harassment or misconduct. According to her, senators fear retribution and victimization if they speak out against the prevailing power dynamics within the Senate.
“I am being victimized. My suspension is a means of silencing me,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said, lamenting the lack of support she has received from her fellow lawmakers. She argued that the Senate, rather than acting as a body of elected representatives working for the people, has become a place where dissenting voices are suppressed and critical issues are ignored in favor of political convenience.
Her comments have drawn attention to the toxic atmosphere that some lawmakers claim exists within Nigeria’s legislative institutions. The concept of political patronage and party loyalty is often seen as more important than ethical behavior, leading to a culture of silence on issues of misconduct or corruption.
In response to the allegations, Senate President Akpabio has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. His spokesman and other members of the Senate have backed him, rejecting the claims made by Akpoti-Uduaghan. Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, the Senate’s deputy chief whip, dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations, saying there was never a time when Akpabio made any sexual advances toward her. Nwaebonyi further insisted that no inappropriate comments were made by the Senate President in either his country home or the Senate chamber.
The Senate leadership has continued to stand by Akpabio, highlighting that the allegations against him are unfounded. Nwaebonyi also took issue with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s assertion that the Senate was trying to silence her, claiming that her legislative activities did not reflect any sort of suppression or intimidation. “Senator Natasha’s legislative activities show this claim is not true,” he said, suggesting that her work in the Senate had not been hindered by any alleged attempts to silence her.
Despite these denials, Akpoti-Uduaghan remains steadfast in her position. She argues that the culture of silence and the lack of accountability within the Senate has led to her suspension, which she sees as a direct consequence of her speaking out against Akpabio’s alleged misconduct.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has become a major point of contention in Nigerian politics. Many political observers and members of the public have questioned the timing and fairness of the suspension, suggesting that it may be a politically motivated attempt to punish her for challenging the Senate leadership. Her supporters argue that she is being unfairly targeted for speaking out against sexual harassment and advocating for justice.
In contrast, some critics of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions believe that the suspension is justified and that her allegations against Akpabio lack substantial evidence. They argue that the legal process should be allowed to play out and that the Senate’s internal processes should not be influenced by external pressures.
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s stance has resonated with many Nigerians, particularly women who feel that sexual harassment and misconduct are often overlooked or swept under the rug in the political arena. Her decision to take the case to the United Nations highlights her determination to seek justice, not only for herself but also for others who may be suffering in silence.
The case has also garnered international attention, especially after Akpoti-Uduaghan took the issue to the United Nations. She has called for a thorough investigation into the matter, urging global bodies to hold Nigerian lawmakers accountable for their actions. The UN’s involvement in the case underscores the serious nature of the allegations and the need for greater transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s political system.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision to bring the issue to international attention reflects a growing frustration among Nigerians with the lack of progress on addressing sexual harassment and other forms of misconduct in the country’s political institutions. Her actions have sparked a broader conversation about the need for reforms in the way lawmakers and public officials are held accountable for their behaviour.
