In a dramatic turn of events within Nigeria’s Senate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of inappropriate behaviour, claiming his retaliation for her rebuff of advances has led to her forced exclusion from the Senate chamber.
In an exclusive interview with ARISE NEWS TV, on Friday, Akpoti-Uduaghan detailed her experiences, stating, “After I rejected his advances, I faced substantial pushback, including a sudden and unjustified change in my seating arrangement. This is not just a personal issue; it underscores a troubling pattern of conduct toward women in politics.”
The escalating tension culminated during a recent plenary session when Akpoti-Uduaghan vocally protested her reassignment. This confrontation led to a heated exchange with Akpabio, who responded by ordering her removal from the chamber. “It was an attempt to silence me,” she asserted, reflecting on the incident.
In response to the backlash, Akpoti-Uduaghan has initiated legal proceedings against Akpabio, filing a defamation lawsuit seeking ₦100 billion in damages. “I will not be silenced or intimidated,” she emphasized, underscoring her commitment to standing up against such behavior.
Compounding the situation, the Senate has referred Akpoti-Uduaghan to its disciplinary committee over alleged procedural infractions, further escalating tensions within the legislative body.
This move has been perceived as retaliatory, intensifying discussions about the treatment of female lawmakers in Nigeria’s Senate and the broader calls for accountability and decorum. “This conflict is emblematic of the struggles female politicians face,” Akpoti-Uduaghan noted, calling for systemic change within the institution.
