Key Highlights:
- Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accuses Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
- Akpabio’s wife refutes claims, threatens legal action.
- Legal and civil rights groups demand an investigation into the allegations.
- Experts and activists call for the protection of women in politics.
- Women organizations urge First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to intervene.
Allegations Against Senate President Akpabio
A major controversy has erupted in Nigeria’s political landscape following allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The lawmaker from Kogi Central, representing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), made the claims during an interview on Arise TV.
According to Natasha, the issue began on December 8, 2023, during a pre-birthday invitation extended to her and her husband at Akpabio’s residence in Uyo. She alleged that Akpabio made inappropriate advances, suggesting they spend “quality time” together. The senator further claimed that after attempting to raise a motion on corruption in the Ajaokuta Steel Company, Akpabio insinuated that she needed to “take care” of him to receive favorable treatment in the Senate.
Akpabio’s Wife Dismisses Allegations, Threatens Lawsuit
In response, Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio, wife of the Senate President, dismissed the allegations as fabrications. She described her husband as a disciplined and principled leader who has consistently supported women’s inclusion in governance. She further stated that Natasha and her husband had previously enjoyed a cordial relationship with their family, making the allegations questionable. Mrs. Akpabio has threatened legal action against Natasha for defamation.
Legal and Political Reactions
The accusations have sparked widespread reactions across Nigeria:
- Legal Practitioners: Lawyers argue that the burden of proof lies with Natasha and call for an independent investigation.
- Women Rights Activists: Organizations such as the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and Women Arise demand a thorough probe into the allegations.
- Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Senator Ireti Kingibe: They emphasize that sexual harassment should not be tolerated in any form.
- Professor Itse Sagay, SAN: The former Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption described the situation as a national embarrassment.
Women Groups Demand Justice
Several women advocacy groups, including Women Active in Politics (WAiP), have called for First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to intervene and ensure women’s protection in politics.
Eliana Martins, National President of FIDA, stated that while Natasha must provide evidence for her claims, her allegations should not be dismissed without due process. She stressed the importance of ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for women in Nigerian politics.
The Impact on Female Politicians
Women in Nigerian politics face significant challenges, and cases like this may discourage more women from participating in governance. Experts urge the Senate to create a fair and transparent system to address gender discrimination and harassment allegations effectively.
How the Seating Arrangement Issue Began
It all started last Thursday when I arrived early at the Senate chambers, signed my attendance, and proceeded to my usual seat—the last one by the door. To my surprise, a Sergeant-at-Arms informed me that my seat had been reassigned and that I had to move to the far end. When I inquired about the change, I was told it was at the instruction of the Senate President.
The previous day, I had attended the session without any prior notification regarding this seat change. I questioned the reason behind it, expressing that I was comfortable where I had always sat. Since I had not been informed earlier, I felt blindsided and refused to move. I wasn’t even aware of the exact location of my new seat, only that it was supposedly at the far end.
As I hesitated, some senators messaged me, warning that the seat reassignment was a “trap” and urging me to comply. Soon, the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, approached me and advised me to adhere to the change, reassuring me that the issue could be addressed later. However, I expressed my frustration, pointing out that this was not the first time my privileges had been withdrawn. I insisted that I should at least be given an explanation before moving.
As I stood my ground, I was accused of violating Senate rules. The Senate President then prepared to read my suspension. At that moment, I invoked Order 10—a provision that allows a senator to immediately raise concerns if their rights and privileges have been infringed upon. However, instead of allowing me to speak, the Senate President ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove me from the chambers, setting the stage for my suspension.
Denial of Rights
The seat change was merely the tipping point in a series of events where I felt dehumanized and maligned. The struggle for my rightful place in the Senate did not start that day—it had been building for months.
The Root of the Conflict
The issues with the Senate President can be traced back to December 8, 2023—the day before our shared birthday. We were in Akwa Ibom State for his birthday celebration. My husband and I, along with some of his close associates, were present at his residence. During a private tour of his house, he made an inappropriate remark, implying that he intended to spend “quality moments” with me there. Shocked, I distanced myself from the conversation, hoping my husband had not heard.
Later that night, my husband sensed something was wrong and asked about the conversation. Not wanting to ruin the occasion or his admiration for the Senate President, I downplayed the incident. However, from that moment, things began to change in my interactions with him.
Attempts to Suppress My Legislative Work
In February, I sought to present a motion on corruption in Ajaokuta Steel Company. I submitted it multiple times, only for it to be repeatedly sidelined. When I confronted the Senate President in his office about it, he suggested that I could “enjoy a whole lot” if I “took care of him.” I was appalled and refused to engage.
Even after my husband personally pleaded with him in London to allow my motion, he dismissed the request, claiming he was “protecting me.” Eventually, my motion was only taken when the Deputy Senate President presided.
The Public Embarrassment at the Nightclub Remark
The most public humiliation came when he referred to me inappropriately during a Senate session, implying I belonged to a nightclub. This was no slip of the tongue; he had previously made suggestive remarks on several occasions.
Following the public outcry, I received a midnight call from the House Leader, Senator Michael Bamidele, who warned that if the Senate President was forced to resign, I would be held responsible. This call was followed by another from the Senate President himself, who claimed his wife had been in distress because of the situation. I firmly reminded him that I was not responsible for the backlash he was facing.
Conclusion
What I have endured in the Senate is akin to what many women face in workplaces—being pressured, sidelined, and denied opportunities simply because they refuse to comply with inappropriate demands. This battle is not just about a seat; it is about dignity, integrity, and the right to serve without compromise.
I stand firm in my convictions, knowing that my fight is not just for myself, but for every woman who has been silenced, every professional who has been treated unfairly, and every citizen who deserves leaders of integrity.
Read more on Gender Equality in Politics
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