Senate President Godswill Akpabio has hinted that suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan may not return unless she apologizes. Her six-month suspension followed sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio. The remark has sparked outrage, with Nigerians questioning its legality and decrying political intimidation and gender oppression in governance.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has suggested that suspended Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, may not return to the Senate unless she apologizes. His statement, captured in a viral video, has sparked widespread backlash, with many Nigerians accusing him of overstepping his authority.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was controversially suspended for six months over a seat dispute after she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment. The suspension has been widely criticized as politically motivated, with many arguing that it was a direct retaliation against her allegations. Critics have pointed out that a senator’s mandate comes from the electorate and not the Senate leadership, questioning the legality of Akpabio’s remarks.
Nigerians note that Akpabio’s comments suggest a pattern of political intimidation, where lawmakers who challenge authority are silenced. His assertion that Akpoti-Uduaghan must "drop her pride" and apologize has further fueled concerns about gender-based oppression in Nigerian politics, with activists decrying the lack of support for female politicians facing institutional harassment.
