Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of making inappropriate comments about her waist movements. She made this revelation in an exclusive interview with BBC, where she also claimed that Akpabio would frequently squeeze her hands in a suggestive manner. “We women understand what it means when a man squeezes our hands in that way,” she remarked. During the interview, Akpoti recounted an incident where she forgot to wear her wedding ring to work. She stated that Akpabio, in the presence of five other senators, commented, “Oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring… is this an invitation to treat?” She further alleged that he once said, “Natasha, your husband must be really enjoying. It looks like you’d be able to make good movements with your waist.” Akpoti expressed disappointment that such remarks were met with laughter from fellow senators. She emphasized that many people fail to understand the burden of enduring such comments and lamented that discussions on such issues remain limited in Nigeria and Africa. The controversy surrounding Akpoti intensified after she was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for what was described as “gross misconduct and unruly behavior.” Her suspension followed a heated disagreement with Akpabio over seating arrangements. Notably, this action came just a day after she had submitted a petition accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. However, the Senate maintained that her suspension was unrelated to the petition. For further reading on workplace harassment and gender discrimination, visit BBC News. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended representative of Kogi Central, has taken her case to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Meeting at the United Nations (UN) in New York, seeking global intervention over what she describes as political oppression and gender-based discrimination in Nigeria. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Appeal at the UN During the Women in Parliament Session at the IPU meeting, Senator Natasha urged international democratic bodies to intervene in her suspension from the Nigerian Senate. She alleged that the decision to suspend her was unlawful and politically motivated, aimed at silencing her advocacy for justice and gender equality. Background of Natasha’s Suspension Senator Natasha’s suspension followed a contentious exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and filed a formal petition, hoping for an unbiased investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petition. Instead, she was suspended for six months, stripped of her official privileges, and barred from legislative activities both locally and internationally. A video obtained by Vanguard shows Natasha in tears while presenting her case at the global forum. She expressed fears for her safety, alleging that there were attempts to detain her in New York for speaking out. Political and Gender Implications Her suspension has sparked widespread debate in Nigeria, with many questioning the fairness of the disciplinary action. The senator emphasized that her case highlights the broader issue of women’s marginalization in Nigerian politics. Speaking passionately at the UN, she stated:“This is a bigger picture; it depicts the crisis of women in political representation. My suspension is not just about me—it is about systemic exclusion, suppression of dissent, and punishment for standing against corruption and gender-based violence.” International Response and Calls for Justice Senator Natasha called on global institutions to hold Nigeria’s leadership accountable for protecting women in politics. She argued that her suspension undermines democracy, as it silences the voices of her constituents who elected her to represent them. “If a female senator can be treated this way in the full view of the world, imagine what ordinary Nigerian women go through daily in workplaces and universities.” By taking her case to the UN and the IPU, Natasha aims to amplify her fight against political victimization and demand justice not just for herself, but for all women facing discrimination in governance. Inter-Parliamentary Union READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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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
