Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan Suspended After Sexual Harassment Allegations
Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan was suspended after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. Her complaint and subsequent suspension have sparked protests and discussions regarding women’s rights in Nigeria. Advocates argue that this incident reflects systemic gender-based violence and marginalization in politics.
Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan has been suspended from the Nigerian Senate after alleging sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Her accusation, made during a recent interview, sparked significant protests and condemnation from feminist groups. Following the filing of her complaint, Akpoti Uduaghan was suspended for six months due to a prior dispute regarding her seating arrangement, while her harassment petition was dismissed on procedural grounds.
In response to her suspension, Akpoti Uduaghan asserted, “My unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness and equity,” adding that she would continue to serve her constituents until 2027. The timing of her suspension, occurring just days before International Women’s Day, has further fueled public outrage.
Akpoti Uduaghan detailed her claims of sexual harassment, stating that Akpabio made several unwanted advances and connected her legislative motions to demands for sexual favors. During an interview, she shared that Akpabio explicitly suggested, “You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me and make me happy.”
She characterized the seating rearrangement that led to her suspension as “a trap, a set-up,” alleging it was orchestrated by Akpabio. Akpoti Uduaghan also expressed her feelings of dehumanization, noting that the seating change was “just the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
The incident has ignited demonstrations in Abuja, with groups both supporting and opposing her actions. Advocates for women’s rights emphasize that this situation underscores serious issues of gender-based violence (GBV) and the marginalization of women in Nigerian politics. Mabel Adinya Ade, a prominent women’s rights activist, criticized the suspension as a manifestation of patriarchal control, warning that the repercussions for speaking out against such injustices are severe.
The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan following her allegations of sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio has ignited widespread outrage and protests. Critics highlight that this incident reflects deeper systemic issues of gender inequality and violence against women in Nigerian politics. As the debate continues, it raises critical concerns about the treatment of female lawmakers and the societal implications of silencing women’s voices in leadership roles.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
