The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has dismissed the sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The committee’s chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, announced this decision during a probe hearing at the National Assembly. According to Imasuen, the petition was “dead on arrival” because it violated Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders.
Apparently, Akpoti-Uduaghan made the grave mistake of signing the petition herself instead of having someone else endorse it. Because of this technicality, the Senate conveniently tossed the case aside, whether the claims had merit or not was irrelevant.
Bribery and Paid Protests: A New Low in Nigerian Politics
If you thought Nigerian politics couldn’t get any messier, think again. Shortly after the petition was dismissed, a group of women flooded the streets in a so-called protest against Akpoti-Uduaghan. But here’s the funny aspect, most of them had no idea why they were even there.
These women were allegedly paid to chant anti-Natasha slogans and march in front of the National Assembly, all in a desperate bid to paint Akpabio as the victim. How ironic. This isn’t about justice or due process, it’s about power, influence, and the ability to control the narrative with money.
The entire protest was nothing short of pathetic. These women were given a script, paid some money, and sent out to make noise, all while likely struggling with their own real-life financial hardships. Yet, here they were, blindly fighting a battle that wasn’t theirs.
Natasha’s Absence: Silence or Strategy?
While the committee hearing was set to begin at 2 pm, it didn’t start until almost an hour later because of delays. Akpoti-Uduaghan was noticeably absent, which fueled even more speculation. Some claim she deliberately refused to show up, while others believe she was avoiding a predictable setup.
Interestingly, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu, who had also been summoned, arrived late but still managed to make an appearance. However, Natasha’s no-show has raised questions, Was she taking a stand against what she saw as a biased process, or was this a misstep on her part?
Who Do I Support? The Real Question
The bigger issue here isn’t just about Akpabio vs. Natasha—it’s about the entire system. If a senator cannot bring forth a petition without unnecessary technicalities getting in the way, what does that say about justice in Nigeria? And if protests can be bought and sold like commodities, what does that say about the integrity of our democracy?
This entire saga is not about who is right or wrong. It’s about how power is used, and misused, in Nigeria’s political landscape. Whether you support Natasha or Akpabio, one thing is very evident, the system is rigged, and until it changes, these kinds of political games will continue.
