A Nigerian senator has stirred controversy by claiming the Senate is run like a "cult" after facing a six-month suspension for accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan made these accusations during an interview with the BBC, highlighting a systemic issue of silencing dissent within the politically conservative country.
Akpoti-Uduaghan alleges that she has been punished for speaking out about harassment she experienced, particularly during a visit to Akpabio's residence in 2023. She claims he made suggestive gestures and comments towards her, which included inappropriate statements in the presence of other senators. Akpabio's spokesperson has firmly denied these allegations, while the senator insists the harassment extended over several months.
According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, her suspension is an example of the Senate's intolerance for dissent. She expressed fears for her and her child's safety after being stripped of her security detail. Akpoti-Uduaghan argues that the Senate operates under a dictatorial regime with little freedom of speech or expression, noting that her petition against Akpabio was dismissed for "procedural errors."
Civil society groups in Nigeria, alarmed by the treatment of Akpoti-Uduaghan, have called for a transparent investigation into her allegations. Women’s rights activists emphasize that the low representation of female senators in the country—only four out of 109—represents a broader issue of gender inequality.
Despite the backlash, Akpoti-Uduaghan intends to continue her fight, pursuing legal action to overturn her suspension and reiterating her allegations of harassment. She remains resolute in her belief that speaking out is crucial for other women who face similar challenges, drawing encouragement from fellow female politicians across Africa. She emphasized her commitment to giving voice to those who have been silenced, stating that her experiences reflect a larger narrative shared by many women in Nigeria.
