The Nigerian Senate witnessed a dramatic turn of events on Friday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio tendered an apology to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, allowing her to reclaim her seat in the hallowed red chambers. This development follows a tense week marked by allegations, political maneuvering, and public outrage over the treatment of the Kogi Central senator.
The controversy erupted after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan discovered that her seat had been reassigned without prior notice, leading to a heated exchange with Senate President Akpabio. In response to the confrontation, the Senate referred her to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imaseun (LP, Edo South), for disciplinary review.
However, the issue took an even more explosive turn when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging that he made inappropriate advances towards her in December 2023. The accusation sent shockwaves through the political landscape, sparking a fierce public debate.
During a no-holds-barred interview on ARISE TV, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that Akpabio had attempted to sexually harass her during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom State. She alleged that her husband was present and could testify to the incident.
In a swift rebuttal, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President, dismissed the allegations, describing them as "wild fabrications." She asserted that she was present at their residence on the alleged date and witnessed no such misconduct.
Unfazed by the denials, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a N100.3 billion lawsuit against Akpabio, citing violations of her fundamental human rights and gender-based discrimination. The case has drawn significant attention, with women’s rights groups rallying behind the embattled senator.
A civic organization, Concerned Women Group, led by Sabina Idowu-Osehobo, condemned the Senate's attempt to discipline Akpoti-Uduaghan over the seat controversy. The group issued a stern warning against any moves to suspend her, vowing to mobilize nationwide protests if she was unfairly sanctioned.
“We will not allow the silencing of one of our most vocal female leaders. Nigerian women have come too far to be pushed back into the margins of decision-making,” the group declared in a statement.
They further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to intervene, warning that the Senate’s actions could set a dangerous precedent against women in leadership.
The Senate’s Response and Akpabio’s Apology
As tensions escalated, Senate President Akpabio sought to defend the institution’s integrity, stating that the referral of Akpoti-Uduaghan to the disciplinary committee was not an act of gender discrimination but an enforcement of parliamentary order.
However, following intense public scrutiny and growing calls for justice, Akpabio reversed course and offered a formal apology to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“In the spirit of unity and respect for the institution of the Senate, I regret any misunderstanding that may have arisen. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan remains a respected member of this chamber, and we must work together for the progress of our nation,” Akpabio stated.
With the apology issued, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reclaimed her rightful seat, marking a symbolic victory for women’s representation in politics.
Despite the resolution in the Senate, the legal battle between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio remains ongoing, with potential implications for the political careers of both parties.
Meanwhile, civil society organizations and political analysts continue to monitor the situation, emphasizing that this incident has reignited crucial conversations about gender equity, power dynamics, and accountability in Nigeria’s legislative institutions.
