Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: A Senator’s Call to Action Against…

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan alleges sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and claims the Senate operates like a cult. After her suspension, she expressed fears for her safety and criticized the systemic suppression of dissent. This situation has prompted widespread discussion about gender equality in Nigeria, with calls for investigations into her allegations. Despite facing criticism, Akpoti-Uduaghan remains committed to seeking justice and supporting women in similar predicaments.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a Nigerian senator, has publicly stated that the Nigerian Senate resembles a “cult,” following her six-month suspension after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, which he denies. This situation has incited a national discourse on gender equality in Nigeria, drawing support for Akpoti-Uduaghan while simultaneously facing criticism from some quarters.

In her first television interview post-suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her concerns for her safety, particularly those of her two-year-old child, especially after her security detail was withdrawn. She claimed the Senate operates under a dictatorial framework with suppressed freedom of expression for dissenters. The Senate’s Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwebonyi asserted that her claims of being silenced are unfounded, citing her ongoing legislative activities as a counterexample.

Akpoti-Uduaghan recounted instances of alleged harassment dating back to a visit to Akpabio’s residence, where she claims he made suggestive comments and advances. She noted that other senators would laugh at sexist remarks made by Akpabio. In response, Nwebonyi claimed that the allegations are “completely false.”

The gender disparity in the Nigerian Senate is stark, with only four female senators in a total of 109 members. Following the dismissal of her petition against Akpabio due to procedural errors, Akpoti-Uduaghan received her six-month suspension for allegedly disruptive behavior during a Senate debate. She emphasized the dangers of speaking out in Nigeria, where opposition figures have faced lethal repercussions.

Civil society organizations have raised alarms regarding her treatment and have called for a thorough investigation of her allegations. Activist Hadiza Ado remarked on the implications of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension for women’s rights in Nigeria. While she has garnered support, Akpoti-Uduaghan has also faced backlash, with protests erupting that divided public opinion on the issue. On social media, she has encountered misogynistic attacks, a troubling reflection of the climate surrounding her claims.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has endured a challenging political journey, having initially sought to become governor of Kogi State in 2019 amidst allegations regarding her ethnicity. Following a tumultuous 2023 Senate campaign impacted by violence, she eventually had the election results overturned in court. Despite the difficulties she faces, she remains resolute and plans to appeal her suspension and pursue her harassment allegations in the Senate. She asserts that she does not regret voicing her concerns, finding strength in her familial support and a network of women who share similar experiences, encouraging her to continue advocating for change.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against the Nigerian Senate raise significant issues regarding the treatment of women in politics and the need for gender equality. Her claims of harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and her subsequent suspension spotlight the risks faced by female politicians in Nigeria. Despite the challenges and backlash she has encountered, Akpoti-Uduaghan continues to advocate for herself and others, highlighting a necessary dialogue about women’s rights in the nation.

Original Source: www.bbc.com