Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of making repeated suggestive and inappropriate comments toward her. The allegations come amid her recent suspension from the Senate on March 6 for what was described as “gross misconduct and unruly behavior” following a dispute over seating arrangements.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension occurred just one day after she formally submitted a sexual harassment complaint against Akpabio on the Senate floor. In an interview with the BBC, she maintained that the grounds for her suspension were a pretext to silence her and shield Akpabio from accountability.
The senator detailed several instances where she claims Akpabio made sexually suggestive remarks, both within and outside the Senate chamber, sometimes in the presence of other lawmakers. She alleged that Akpabio would often squeeze her hand in a manner she found inappropriate and made comments about her personal life.
“There was a time I forgot to wear my ring because I was rushing to work. Akpabio noticed and said, ‘Oh Natasha, you’re not wearing your ring… is this an invitation to treat?’” she recounted. “On another occasion, he remarked, ‘Natasha, your husband is really enjoying. It looks like you’d be able to make good movements with your waist.’ These kinds of sexist statements were often met with laughter from others present.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan became emotional during the interview when asked about the toll these allegations and the subsequent backlash have taken on her. “People don’t understand what it means to carry this burden. Maybe we don’t talk about it enough in Nigeria or Africa,” she said, fighting back tears. “I just want a place where I can work without fear. I thought the worst was over, but I guess for a woman, it’s never really over, right?”
Despite the challenges, Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that she has received support from female parliamentarians across Africa who have reached out to share their own experiences of facing similar sexually charged and male-dominated environments in their respective legislatures.
Senate’s Response
In response to the allegations, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, the Senate’s Deputy Chief Whip, denied Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims, stating that Akpabio never made inappropriate advances or comments toward her. “The Senate President has never made any such remarks, whether in his home or in the Senate chamber,” Nwaebonyi told the BBC. He also dismissed the suggestion that the Senate was attempting to silence Akpoti-Uduaghan, pointing to her legislative activities as evidence that she has not been stifled.
Akpabio himself had previously addressed the allegations on March 5, denying any wrongdoing. “At no time did I ever attempt any form of sexual harassment against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman,” he stated in the Senate chamber. “I was raised by my late mother, who instilled in me the highest respect for women. These allegations are baseless and unfounded.”
Broader Implications
The allegations have sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of women in Nigerian politics and the challenges they face in male-dominated spaces. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case highlights the need for stronger mechanisms to address harassment and ensure a safe working environment for all lawmakers, regardless of gender.
As the controversy unfolds, many are calling for an independent investigation into the allegations to ensure transparency and accountability. For now, Akpoti-Uduaghan remains suspended, while the Senate continues to deny her claims, setting the stage for a contentious and highly scrutinized battle over credibility and justice.
