The Nigerian political landscape has been rocked by fresh controversy as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of power. The allegations, which surfaced during an explosive interview with ARISE NEWS, have sparked public outrage, with many Nigerians demanding Akpabio’s immediate resignation pending an investigation.
Parallel Facts, an online media platform, amplified the growing calls for accountability, stating via its official X handle that senators should push for Akpabio to step down until the allegations are thoroughly examined.
Senator Natasha’s Allegations: Harassment, Victimization, and Political Suppression
During the interview, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan detailed an alleged encounter with Akpabio on December 8, 2023, at his residence in Akwa Ibom. The Kogi Central senator claimed that while touring his home, Akpabio made inappropriate advances towards her, even in the presence of her husband.
“It all started the day before both our birthdays. We were in Akwa Ibom, first at his house in Ikot Ekpene, then in Uyo. While showing me around, he held my hands, walked me from room to room, and then asked if I liked his house. I said, ‘Of course, sir, every room is beautiful, quality taste.’ Then he said, ‘Now that you are a senator, I am going to create time for us to come create quality moments here. You will enjoy it.’ At that point, I pulled away because I didn’t understand what he meant,” she recounted.
According to her, the Senate President’s behavior led her husband to warn her against traveling alone or visiting Akpabio’s residence.
Beyond the alleged harassment, Senator Natasha also accused Akpabio of using his position to stifle her legislative efforts. She claimed that her motion for an investigation into corruption at the Ajaokuta Steel Company was repeatedly blocked by the Senate President.
“I listed that motion five times. It was only on the sixth attempt that it was approved. Every time it was listed, just before he took it, he would say, ‘Oh, Senator Natasha, we can’t take this motion because the good of the Senate does not accommodate it,’ or he would speak on other motions and just let it drag,” she alleged.
When she confronted him about the repeated delays, she claims he replied, “Natasha, I am the chief presiding officer. You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me and make me happy.”
According to her, when she refused to acknowledge the remark, Akpabio concluded, “The ball is in your court.”
The allegations come on the heels of a heated confrontation in the Senate. Last Thursday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was forcibly removed from the chamber after refusing to comply with Akpabio’s order to vacate her seat. The seat reassignment was allegedly a retaliatory move following the defection of two opposition senators to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The incident, captured on video, showed sergeants-at-arms dragging the senator from the chamber, further fueling concerns about political victimization and gender-based discrimination.
As the scandal unfolds, public backlash against Akpabio has intensified. Many Nigerians have taken to social media to demand his immediate resignation pending an investigation.
A Twitter user, Serah Ibrahim, wrote:
“Listen to Senator Natasha on AriseTV narrating how Senate President Akpabio told her to ‘take care of him and make him happy’ before he would read her motion in the Senate. The Senators need to call for Akpabio to step down immediately until investigations are done. I expect PDP to move this motion and do the needful.”
Another user, @owerri1stson, described Akpabio as a “shame”, calling for his immediate resignation.
A user identified as @ela criticized the ruling party’s handling of corruption and misconduct cases, tweeting:
“Rule of law is dead in this country under APC Tinubu, so there will be no stepping down. Betta Edu is still chopping away as we speak. Yahaya Bello is enjoying his life, and so are Hadi Sirika and Bubu despite their atrocities.”
With mounting public pressure, the ball is now in the Senate’s court. Will lawmakers prioritize justice and accountability, or will the allegations be swept under the carpet like many before them? The coming days will reveal whether the Nigerian Senate has the political will to investigate one of its own or if Akpabio will continue to wield unchecked power.
One thing is clear: Nigerians are watching.
PIONEER NEWS 