Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has accused the Nigerian Senate leadership, particularly Senate President Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment and attempting to silence her through her recent suspension.
In an interview with the BBC on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan described her suspension from the Senate as part of a deliberate attempt to suppress her voice. “I am being victimised. My suspension is a way to silence me,” she stated.
The Senator detailed disturbing encounters with Akpabio, including an incident at his country home where he allegedly made inappropriate advances.
“He squeezed my hands in a very suggestive way… He said, ‘Now that you’re in the Senate, I’ll make an opportunity for us to come here and have a good moment,’” Akpoti-Uduaghan recounted.
She also recalled an uncomfortable remark made by Akpabio in the Senate chamber when she accidentally forgot to wear her wedding ring. “He said, ‘Oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring, is this an invitation to treat?’” Akpoti-Uduaghan said, adding that these comments were part of a broader pattern of sexual harassment.
The Senator’s suspension on March 6 was officially attributed to “gross misconduct” following a disagreement with Akpabio over seating arrangements. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan views the suspension as retaliation for speaking out.
In response, Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims. “Senator Natasha’s legislative activities show this claim is not true,” he said, rejecting allegations that the Senate sought to silence her.
Undeterred, Akpoti-Uduaghan has escalated her dispute by presenting her case at a United Nations forum, calling for international intervention to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable for its actions.