The Nigerian Senate is in the spotlight again, and this time, it’s not for passing any meaningful legislation. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. This is not just another scandal—it’s a serious allegation that exposes the rot within Nigeria’s legislative body.
Akpabio, through his media consultant Kenny Okulogbo, has denied the claims. But let’s break this down: why would a sitting senator risk her political career with such an accusation? Is this yet another case of power being used to silence women in politics, or is it an internal battle for control within the Senate?
Natasha’s Allegations Against Akpabio
Akpoti-Uduaghan made these explosive claims during an interview with Arise Television, revealing that her ordeal with Akpabio began on December 8, 2023. She recounted a visit to his home in Ikot-Ekpene, where he allegedly made suggestive comments. According to her, Akpabio told her, “Now that you are a Senator, you are going to create time for us to spend quality time here, and you will enjoy it.”
She further alleged that Akpabio used his position to frustrate her work in the Senate because she rejected his advances. When she tried to push a motion concerning the Ajaokuta Steel project, she claimed Akpabio told her, “Natasha, I am the Chief Presiding Officer of the Senate. You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me and make me happy.”
This, she said, reminded her of a student being punished by a lecturer for refusing to sleep with him. If true, this is a damning indictment of Nigeria’s political culture, where women still have to navigate the minefield of male entitlement just to do their jobs.
Akpabio’s Camp Denies the Accusations
In response, Akpabio’s media consultant, Kenny Okulogbo, dismissed the allegations as “tissues of lies.” According to him, Akpoti-Uduaghan is merely bitter over her removal as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content. He assured that Akpabio would officially respond soon.
But let’s be honest, this kind of dismissal is predictable. It follows the usual script: accuse a woman of lying, suggest she has ulterior motives, and wait for the noise to die down. If these accusations are false, Akpabio should provide solid evidence to clear his name.
A Senate More Interested in Itself Than Nigeria
This scandal isn’t just about Akpabio and Natasha; it’s about the Senate’s larger failure. Instead of focusing on policies that could improve Nigeria’s economy, security, and infrastructure, our lawmakers seem more invested in personal conflicts and power plays.
Was it not in this same Senate that a lawmaker once publicly admired Bianca Ojukwu’s beauty instead of discussing national issues? When they are not busy passing weak policies, they are busy passing advances on each other. And this is the same Senate Nigerians are expected to respect?
Is Akpabio guilty of sexually harassing Senator Natasha Akpoti? Only time will tell. But one thing is, Nigerians deserve better leadership than this.
