Senate President Godswill Akpabio has warned that the actions of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan could deter politicians from appointing women to key positions in Nigeria.
Akpabio made the remarks during a Senate plenary on Tuesday, following Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and her allegations of sexual harassment against him.
Akpabio criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan for escalating the matter to the international community without allowing the Senate or Nigerian courts to address it first.
“When this issue began, she brought it to the Senate but did not allow the chamber to deliberate on it before taking it to court. Even then, she did not allow the court to address it before going international,” he said.
Drawing a parallel, Akpabio likened the situation to a hypothetical scenario where U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris accused President Joe Biden of sexual assault for shaking her hand. “If such an allegation were made, it would create a precedent where no woman would ever be chosen as vice president again,” he stated.
Despite his criticism, Akpabio urged politicians not to let one individual’s actions hinder opportunities for other women, particularly his four daughters. “I have four daughters, and I want to plead with politicians to still give them and other women a chance. The sins of one should not be used to punish others,” he appealed.
The Senate unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Akpabio’s leadership, following Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension for misconduct.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele emphasized that the matter was already in court and dismissed claims that the Senate ignored the sexual harassment allegations. “At no point was the Senate formally informed of any sexual harassment claims.
The issue before us was strictly about disciplinary measures,” Bamidele clarified. Akpabio also condemned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision to address the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in New York, accusing her of attempting to embarrass Nigeria internationally.
“She has externalized the matter, presenting a false narrative to the international community,” he said.
The Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, banning her from all Senate activities, locking her office, and suspending her salaries and allowances. However, her legislative aides will continue to receive their salaries.
Despite her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken her case to the IPU, arguing that her suspension was unjust.
As the matter now rests with the courts, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin urged lawmakers to focus on governance and the implementation of the 2025 budget. “It is time to move forward and concentrate on our legislative responsibilities,” he said.