Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan criticizes the Nigerian Senate as operating like a cult following her suspension for alleging sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She expresses fear for her safety, as her security has been revoked. Civil society organizations are calling for an investigation into her claims, which she states are part of broader issues of sexism and gender inequality within Nigerian politics.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a Nigerian senator, criticized the Senate for operating in a manner she likened to a “cult”, following her six-month suspension. Her suspension stemmed from allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who denies these claims. Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed concern for her safety after her security detail was revoked, asserting that dissenters face retribution within the Senate.
In her recent interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the Senate under Akpabio as lacking freedom of speech and operating under dictatorial rule. She emphasized that any senator who opposes Akpabio is harshly reprimanded. The Senate’s Deputy Chief Whip, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, refuted her claims, suggesting her visible legislative work contradicts her assertion of being silenced.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations of harassment initiated in 2023, noting she faced inappropriate advances during a visit to Akpabio’s residence. She alleges he made suggestive comments regarding intimacy. In response, Nwebonyi claimed that no unwanted sexual advances were made, labeling her allegations as false. Akpoti-Uduaghan believes these incidents reflect a wider issue of sexism within the Senate and Nigerian politics.
Amy activism groups have voiced strong support for Akpoti-Uduaghan, arguing her situation highlights the systemic challenges women face in Nigerian politics, where representation remains low. Currently, she is one of only four women among 109 senators. Echoing this sentiment, women’s rights activist Hadiza Ado stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension represents a disheartening situation for women fighting for equality.
In light of her controversial suspension, which was attributed to purportedly disruptive behavior, Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken legal action to overturn the decision and plans to reignite her allegations of sexual harassment within the Senate framework. Despite undergoing severe challenges, including threats to her safety, she remains determined to advocate for women’s rights and inspire others to voice their experiences.
Akpoti-Uduaghan revealed she receives daily encouragement from women politicians in other African nations, who share similar struggles yet remain silent. Her resilience is fed by support from her immediate family and a broader network of advocates. She contends that her fight is not merely for herself but for women in Nigeria who lack the courage to speak out against injustice in their communities.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s experience underscores significant gender-related issues within the Nigerian political landscape, further exemplified by her suspension and allegations against Senate President Akpabio. Her determination to advocate for women’s rights and her willingness to challenge the status quo may catalyze broader discussions on gender equality in Nigerian politics. The response from civil society underscores the need for transparent investigations and highlights the systemic sexism faced by female politicians in the country.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
