A Nigerian senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, claims the Senate operates like a cult after being suspended for alleging sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, raising concerns about gender equality in the nation.
Nigerian Senator Calls Senate a 'Cult' After Sexual Harassment Claims
Nigerian Senator Calls Senate a 'Cult' After Sexual Harassment Claims
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan speaks out after being suspended for alleging sexual harassment against Senate President, highlighting challenges for women in Nigerian politics.
In a recent interview with the BBC, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a Nigerian senator, accused the Senate of functioning like a "cult" after facing a six-month suspension for speaking out against alleged sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Akpabio has denied the allegations, but the situation has sparked a significant public outcry over issues of gender equality in Nigeria, where women are underrepresented in governmental roles.
Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed her suspension was a consequence of attempting to expose the truth, saying she felt threatened and unsafe after her security detail was removed. "The Senate president runs the Senate like a dictator, not a democrat," she asserted, criticizing the environment for stifling freedom of speech and expression.
The senator, who is part of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recounted incidents of harassment beginning in early 2023, including suggestive comments made by Akpabio during a visit to his home, which he claims were taken out of context. Despite Akpoti-Uduaghan being one of only four women in Nigeria's 109-member Senate, her petition against Akpabio was dismissed due to procedural issues, leading to her suspension for "unruly and disruptive" behavior.
Her case has garnered support from civil society organizations, who are calling for a transparent investigation. Activists like Hadiza Ado lamented the implications of her suspension for women fighting for equal rights in Nigeria. Notably, Akpoti-Uduaghan has faced backlash on social media since bringing forth her allegations, underscoring the difficulties women face in politics.
Amid her challenges, Akpoti-Uduaghan remains determined to fight back through legal avenues and to advocate for other women who have encountered similar experiences in politics. She expressed the profound emotional toll this has taken on her but emphasized the encouragement she receives from her supporters, including women from other African nations sharing their stories.
As this saga continues to unfold, Akpoti-Uduaghan's actions may not only impact her future but also provide a voice for women in a country where misogyny and gender discrimination persist in the political landscape.
Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed her suspension was a consequence of attempting to expose the truth, saying she felt threatened and unsafe after her security detail was removed. "The Senate president runs the Senate like a dictator, not a democrat," she asserted, criticizing the environment for stifling freedom of speech and expression.
The senator, who is part of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recounted incidents of harassment beginning in early 2023, including suggestive comments made by Akpabio during a visit to his home, which he claims were taken out of context. Despite Akpoti-Uduaghan being one of only four women in Nigeria's 109-member Senate, her petition against Akpabio was dismissed due to procedural issues, leading to her suspension for "unruly and disruptive" behavior.
Her case has garnered support from civil society organizations, who are calling for a transparent investigation. Activists like Hadiza Ado lamented the implications of her suspension for women fighting for equal rights in Nigeria. Notably, Akpoti-Uduaghan has faced backlash on social media since bringing forth her allegations, underscoring the difficulties women face in politics.
Amid her challenges, Akpoti-Uduaghan remains determined to fight back through legal avenues and to advocate for other women who have encountered similar experiences in politics. She expressed the profound emotional toll this has taken on her but emphasized the encouragement she receives from her supporters, including women from other African nations sharing their stories.
As this saga continues to unfold, Akpoti-Uduaghan's actions may not only impact her future but also provide a voice for women in a country where misogyny and gender discrimination persist in the political landscape.
