Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has stepped down from a committee tasked with investigating allegations of harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The decision, announced amid growing scrutiny, has added a fresh layer of tension to an already charged political atmosphere.
Akpabio’s withdrawal from the panel comes just days after Senator Natasha publicly accused some of her colleagues of orchestrating a campaign of intimidation and gender-based harassment aimed at silencing her legislative efforts.
Senator Natasha, representing Kogi Central, made headlines last week after she raised the alarm on what she described as a “coordinated attempt to undermine female voices” within the red chamber. Her allegations included instances of verbal intimidation, dismissive behavior during sessions, and veiled threats—claims that triggered public outcry and prompted the Senate to set up an internal investigative panel.
However, the inclusion of Akpabio—a senior figure and presiding officer of the Senate—on the very panel meant to probe the matter raised immediate questions about conflict of interest and impartiality.
In what political observers are calling a “strategic retreat,” Akpabio cited the need to ensure fairness and transparency in the proceedings as the reason for stepping aside.
“In the interest of justice and the credibility of this chamber, I have decided to recuse myself from further involvement in the panel investigating these sensitive claims,” Akpabio announced on the Senate floor.
His statement was met with mixed reactions, with some senators applauding the move as a step toward accountability, while others viewed it as an admission that the panel's credibility was compromised from the onset.
For Senator Natasha, Akpabio’s exit may come as a partial victory in her push for institutional reform and gender equity within Nigeria’s legislative system. Known for her tenacity and outspokenness, Natasha has vowed not to back down until the Senate enforces clear protocols that protect female lawmakers from discrimination and harassment.
“This is not about me alone,” she stated in a press release. “This is about every woman who chooses to step into leadership in Nigeria and refuses to be silenced.”
Political analysts say Akpabio’s recusal could mark a turning point in how the National Assembly handles internal misconduct. It may also raise deeper questions about the balance of power, the role of gender in Nigerian politics, and the accountability of top-ranking officials.
Dr. Seyi Ogundipe, a political ethics scholar, remarked,
“This is more than a procedural shakeup — it’s a test of whether the Senate can hold itself to the same standards of justice it often demands of others.”
With Akpabio out, the Senate is expected to reconstitute the panel and possibly bring in external observers to ensure impartiality. Meanwhile, advocacy groups and civil society organizations are urging the Senate to release the findings of the probe to the public and take decisive action based on its outcomes.
