Key Highlights: 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: 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 Inspector-General of Police’s office filed the case, and His Worship Abubakar Umar Sai’id is the presiding judge. The Chief Magistrate Court in Kuje, Abuja, granted N500,000 bail to Abia State Representative Alex Ikwechegh after he was captured on camera attacking Bolt driver Stephen Abuwatseya. Ikwechegh was charged with three counts during Wednesday’s court appearance, which included assault, threat of death, and abuse of office. The Inspector-General of Police’s office filed the case, and His Worship Abubakar Umar Sai’id is the presiding judge. READ ALSO Ikewechegh entered a not guilty plea to the allegations when he appeared in court. His attorney applied for bail orally, and it was approved by His Honor the memory of Abubakar Umar Sai’id. In addition to two sureties in the same amount, his bail was set at N500,000. The sureties must be residents of the court’s jurisdiction and be able to prove their residency with utility bills. After that, the case was postponed until November 8.
Kindly Share:
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has announced that his administration will take action against schools and businesses that comply with the two-day sit-at-home order declared by the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Chidiebere Onyia, the state government’s secretary, made this clear during a joint press briefing with security chiefs, following a tour of various institutions, including schools, businesses, financial establishments, and markets in Enugu. The security officials accompanying Onyia included Brigadier-General Steven Dogo, Garrison Commander of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army; Theresa Egbunu, Director of the State Security Service in Enugu; and CP Anayo Uzuegbu, the Enugu State Police Commissioner. The sit-at-home order, which was called for by a factional leader of IPOB, Simeon Ekpa, affected the entire South-East region on Monday and Tuesday. Onyia emphasized that teachers, private and public schools, as well as businesses and financial institutions, that participated in the shutdown would face sanctions from the government. He reiterated the state’s firm stance against compliance with the illegal directive, warning that such behavior would not be tolerated. Onyia praised the residents of Enugu for resisting the sit-at-home order, calling those enforcing the directive “enemies of progress.” He assured that Enugu remained open for business and committed to fostering an environment where the private sector could thrive. Furthermore, he noted that since Governor Mbah canceled the sit-at-home, there had been no incidents on any Monday. To maintain order and public safety, the government, along with security forces, patrolled the state to ensure citizens felt secure. Onyia stressed that more security personnel would be deployed if necessary to reassure the public and to enforce sanctions on institutions defying the ban.
Kindly Share:
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has raised concerns about the urgent need to address the growing insecurity in various parts of the country. During a visit to Bauchi State, where he commissioned several road projects completed by Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration, Obasanjo emphasized that Nigeria must act quickly to resolve the worsening security situation. He lamented how different the situation is today compared to his time in office, stressing the need for immediate solutions. Obasanjo believes that the key to tackling insecurity lies in community policing, where residents actively monitor and report potential security threats. He argued that community policing is more effective because “everyone knows their neighbors,” making it easier to identify suspicious individuals and prevent crimes. During his visit to the Bauchi Emir’s Palace, he also urged traditional rulers to encourage community policing efforts within their regions. In a more personal revelation, Obasanjo shared how he discovered that he was partially deaf during a medical check-up abroad. This led him to establish the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation, which focuses on providing hearing aids and treatments to Nigerians suffering from hearing loss. He announced plans to distribute hearing aids to over 10,000 indigent individuals across the Northeast, starting with 2,000 beneficiaries in Bauchi. On the broader issues of poverty and leadership, Obasanjo stated that the poverty experienced by African nations, including Nigeria, stems from bad governance, not a lack of resources. He expressed optimism that with unity and collective effort, the country could overcome its challenges. In response, Governor Bala Mohammed highlighted his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development. He pointed out that the recently commissioned road projects were part of a strategic plan aimed at improving the lives of Bauchi residents, regardless of the political landscape. This exchange underscores the pressing need for better security measures and infrastructure development, both seen as crucial for Nigeria’s progress.
