The Nigerian Senate has strongly denied allegations from suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and fellow lawmakers of fostering a “culture of fear” in the chamber.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that senators were intimidated and afraid to voice differing opinions against Akpabio, fearing it would cost them opportunities.
“There is this culture of fear among the senators. If you dare to criticise the Senate President or express a differing opinion, you risk having all opportunities blocked,” she said.
The senator also alleged inappropriate behavior by Akpabio, claiming he and other senators made sexual innuendos and teased her about not wearing her wedding ring. “At the event, there were about five other senators who asked, ‘Natasha, why aren’t you wearing your wedding ring? Is there another way of betraying your husband?’” she recounted.
In response, Senate Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, dismissed the allegations, asserting, “Natasha’s behaviour in the Senate does not reflect that. There was never a time the Senate President made any attempt to harass Senator Akpoti.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended on March 6 over a seating dispute with Akpabio, escalated the matter by petitioning the United Nations, claiming political victimization.