Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili has slammed Natasha’s suspension over sexual harassment allegations, calling it “a vicious abuse of power” by the Senate.
Ezekwesili, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), criticized the Senate’s decision to suspend Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan instead of investigating her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, stating that the Senate chose to abuse its power rather than uphold justice.
“Investigate the accusation of sexual harassment is all that sensible Nigerians have collectively asked the @NGRSenate to do, but no, they have decided to choose the ignoble path of vicious abuse of power and desecration of our public institution @nassnigeria,” she wrote.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sexual Harassment
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio led to her six-month suspension from the Senate. The dispute began when she rejected her assigned seat in the Senate chamber and openly defied Akpabio’s directive.
She later accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and filed a N100 billion defamation lawsuit against him. However, instead of investigating her claim, the Senate Ethics Committee dismissed her petition, calling it “dead on arrival” due to procedural flaws.
The committee justified its decision by stating that:
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan signed the petition herself instead of getting an endorsement, making it procedurally invalid.
The case was already in court, preventing Senate intervention.
Public Outrage as Ezekwesili Slams Natasha’s Suspension Over Sexual Allegations
Many Nigerians have condemned the suspension of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over her sexual harassment allegation, arguing that the Senate is using its power to silence her rather than seeking justice.
Ezekwesili, a strong advocate for women’s rights, warned that the abuse of power in Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension sets a dangerous precedent.
“When men because of little power fleetingly acquired start speaking like they are God, we all must remember what history reveals of their kind,” she wrote.
She added:
“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. You have inspired a generation. You have inspired all credible citizens. You will never walk alone.”
Akpabio Previously Apologized to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
In July 2024, Akpabio apologized to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over a controversial nightclub-related comment.
Despite this, the situation has escalated, with Ezekwesili slamming Natasha’s suspension over sexual harassment allegations, fueling discussions on political intimidation and suppression of dissent.
The controversy surrounding Ezekwesili slamming Natasha’s suspension over sexual harassment allegations continues to spark debates. Many Nigerians are calling for justice and transparency, while others question whether the Senate will reconsider its decision.
