The Nigerian Senate has once again been engulfed in controversy as allegations of sexual harassment take center stage, raising concerns over when the upper chamber will move beyond internal conflicts and focus on the real business of lawmaking.
At the resumption of plenary today, Senate President Godswill Akpabio denied allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, marking the latest episode in what has become a series of political and personal disputes within the legislative body.
“I was raised very well by my late single mother, and I have always upheld respect for women.
I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria,” Akpabio asserted, dismissing the allegations as baseless.
He urged Nigerians to allow the court process to unfold before making judgments, even as he acknowledged the growing debate on social media surrounding the issue.
However, the matter did not end there. Shortly after Akpabio’s remarks, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan invoked Senate Order 40, formally presenting a petition accusing the Senate President of sexual harassment and abuse of office.
The Senate swiftly referred the petition to its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for review.
A Chamber in Crisis?
This latest confrontation comes on the heels of a heated dispute over seat arrangements in February, which saw tensions flare between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President.
What should have been a routine legislative matter quickly spiraled into an intense personal and political feud, culminating in the allegations now under review.
With the Senate once again embroiled in controversy, many Nigerians are beginning to ask: When will lawmakers set aside personal grievances and focus on the pressing legislative issues at hand?
Calls for Legislative Focus
Observers and political analysts have voiced growing frustration over the Senate’s inability to prioritize critical governance issues. At a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic challenges, rising inflation, and national security concerns, the upper chamber appears increasingly distracted by internal conflicts.
Legal expert and political analyst Dr. Rufus Olabode expressed disappointment over the ongoing distractions, saying, “The Senate is meant to be the highest legislative institution in the country. Instead of tackling critical national issues, we are seeing endless personal drama that does nothing for the average Nigerian.”
Similarly, civil society organizations have called on lawmakers to return their focus to policy-making, particularly in addressing issues such as economic reforms, education, and national security.
“The people elected senators to make laws, not to entertain them with political theatrics,” said Aisha Bello, a spokesperson for the Advocacy for Democratic Governance. “This ongoing drama is damaging the credibility of the legislative arm of government.”
What Happens Next?
With the Senate’s Committee on Ethics now tasked with reviewing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition, another round of legislative distractions seems inevitable. Yet, the real question remains: How long will this continue before lawmakers shift their focus to governance?
Senate watchers believe that the chamber must move swiftly to resolve internal conflicts and restore confidence in its ability to legislate effectively.
Whether the current leadership can rise above personal disputes and refocus on national priorities remains to be seen.
Until then, Nigerians will continue to watch closely, hoping that their representatives will eventually rise to the occasion.
