The Nigerian Senate suspended Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months after her sexual assault accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio were dismissed by the ethics committee. The case illustrates ongoing issues of gender representation and handling of sexual assault allegations in Nigerian politics, prompting criticism of the Senate’s processes.
On Thursday, the Nigerian Senate suspended female senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following her sexual assault accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The Senate’s ethics committee recommended a six-month suspension, barring her from her office and withdrawing her allowances and security. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations were dismissed by the ethics committee due to procedural violations.
After being escorted from the chamber, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her determination against what she termed injustice, asserting that her voice had been silenced. The accused senator, Akpabio, has denied any misconduct linked to the claims made against him.
According to the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, the representation of women in Nigeria’s parliament is at its lowest since the return to democratic governance in 1999. This case indicates a troubling trend within the parliamentary system, despite not being the first instance of sexual misconduct in Nigerian politics, with previous accusations involving male senators going uncharged.
Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele commented that Akpoti-Uduaghan should take her suspension as an opportunity to familiarize herself with parliamentary protocols. He questioned her intentions behind targeting the Senate President with her claims.
Critics have slammed the ethics committee for its perceived bias in handling the situation, including Chioma Agwuegbo, the executive director of TechHerNG, who remarked on the committee’s ineffectiveness. Akpoti-Uduaghan has since initiated legal action against Akpabio, demanding N100 billion ($64,000) in damages, but did not provide a response to requests for further comment.
The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan highlights the contentious nature of women’s representation in Nigerian politics, particularly concerning serious allegations such as sexual assault. While the Senate’s ethics committee ruled against her claims, critics argue that their handling of the case reflects a broader issue of bias within the parliamentary framework. This incident underlines the need for reevaluation of women’s roles and protections within Nigeria’s political system.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
