Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused the Nigerian Senate of silencing lawmakers, likening it to a "cult" where dissent is punished. She also alleged sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. While she claims her suspension was retaliatory, the Senate denies wrongdoing, dismissing her allegations as baseless.
Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused the Senate of fostering a culture of silence, claiming lawmakers avoid expressing dissenting views due to fear of victimization. In an interview with the BBC, the Kogi Central representative, one of only four women in the Senate, alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio sexually harassed her and that her recent suspension was a deliberate move to suppress her voice.
Akpoti-Uduaghan recounted incidents where she felt uncomfortable around Akpabio, including a moment at his home where he allegedly made suggestive remarks. However, Senate Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwaebonyi dismissed the allegations, stating that Akpabio never acted inappropriately and that her suspension had no ulterior motive. The controversy has sparked national conversations about gender dynamics, power struggles, and transparency in Nigeria’s legislative body.
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