Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed the sexual harassment allegations made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was recently suspended for six months.
Akpabio, speaking at an event marking International Women’s Day, described himself as a victim, claiming that Natasha had “traumatized” him and others with her accusations.
The controversy surrounding Natasha’s suspension has sparked national and political debate, with opposition parties, women’s rights activists, and political figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi criticizing the Senate’s decision.
Many view her suspension as politically motivated and an attempt to silence women in governance.
The Allegation and Suspension
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate for alleged misconduct.
However, the nature of her allegations against Akpabio – which include claims of sexual harassment – has overshadowed the official reason given for her suspension.
Opposition figures and women’s rights advocates argue that her removal from the Senate chamber was unjust and an example of how the political system in Nigeria remains hostile toward women in leadership.
Akpabio’s Response
Akpabio, in his speech, refuted Natasha’s claims, maintaining that the allegations were false and politically motivated.
“It is only yesterday that I realised that what we are talking about only happened when there was a change of seat. That is when hell was let loose, and all sorts of allegations came up, only after the change of seat and change of committee, which my Senators know to happen from time to time,” Akpabio said.
He suggested that Natasha’s reaction stemmed from internal Senate restructuring, implying that her allegations were an emotional outburst rather than genuine claims of misconduct.
Backlash from Opposition and Civil Society
The suspension has ignited political tensions, with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and other major opposition groups condemning the decision.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi both criticized the Senate for what they called an attempt to intimidate and silence women in politics.
Peter Obi, in a statement, noted:
“The political atmosphere in Nigeria is already unfriendly to women. This move by the Senate sets a dangerous precedent that discourages more women from stepping into leadership roles.”
Similarly, women’s rights organizations have called for a review of the Senate’s disciplinary process, demanding greater transparency and protection for female lawmakers against possible political retaliation.
A Pattern of Allegations?
Akpabio suggested that Natasha had previously made false allegations against other individuals, implying a pattern of behavior. He did not provide evidence to support this claim, but his remarks were seen as an attempt to discredit Natasha’s testimony.
Former Senator Shehu Sani, weighing in on the matter, stated:
“Every woman in politics faces resistance, especially from men who fear their rise. Natasha’s allegations should be thoroughly investigated rather than dismissed outright.”
The Larger Issue: Women’s Role in Politics
The incident has reignited conversations about gender discrimination in Nigerian politics. Women remain underrepresented in governance, and many believe that cases like Natasha’s discourage female participation in leadership.
In Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly, only a handful of women hold seats in both chambers, making the political space still largely male-dominated. Many argue that Natasha’s suspension is not just about her but about the broader issue of women’s voices being stifled in Nigerian politics.
What Happens Next?
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has yet to issue a formal response to Akpabio’s latest comments.
However, her legal team is expected to challenge her suspension, possibly taking the matter to Nigeria’s judiciary or appealing to human rights organizations.
Women’s groups and opposition leaders have vowed to continue protesting against what they see as unfair treatment.
Meanwhile, the Senate remains under pressure to review its handling of disciplinary cases involving female lawmakers.
The Natasha-Akpabio controversy is more than a political dispute; it highlights deep-seated gender biases in Nigerian governance.
Whether Natasha’s allegations are true or not, the Senate’s decision to suspend her has fueled concerns about power dynamics and women’s representation in leadership.
With mounting pressure from the public and political opposition, the coming weeks will determine if the Senate stands by its decision or if Natasha’s suspension will be reconsidered in the face of growing national outrage.
