Nigerian Senator Claims Senate Functions Like a 'Cult' Amid Harassment Allegations

In a shocking interview, Nigerian senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan reveals the culture within the Senate and her experiences with alleged harassment, raising significant questions about gender equality in Nigerian politics.

In a groundbreaking television interview with the BBC, Nigerian senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused the Senate of operating like a "cult" following her suspension over allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended for six months, alleges that the Senate President harassed her during a visit to his country home and has made various sexist remarks within the Senate premises.

"The Senate president runs the Senate like a dictator, not a democrat," she stated in her interview, emphasizing the oppressive atmosphere in which she feels punished for speaking out against the pervasive abuse of power. Following her allegations, Akpoti-Uduaghan has expressed fears for her safety and that of her young child, as her security detail has been revoked.

Akpabio's office wasted no time refuting her claims, labeling them "completely false" and alleging that Akpoti-Uduaghan's own actions contradict her assertions of being silenced. The conflict has ignited widespread debate on gender inequality in Nigeria, a country struggling with one of Africa's lowest representations of female parliamentarians. Akpoti-Uduaghan stands as one of only four women in a Senate comprising 109 members, a stark reminder of the challenges women face within the politically conservative nation.

The senator's petition against Akpabio was dismissed for "procedural errors," and she received her suspension after allegedly engaging in "unruly and disruptive" behavior during a session of the Senate. Despite this, she intends to pursue legal action to reverse her suspension and will bring her harassment claims against Akpabio back to the Senate.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has noted the acute emotional toll of her experiences but remains resolute in her pursuit of justice, citing encouragement from fellow women in politics both within Nigeria and beyond. “Women connecting with me from other countries are saying, 'Natasha, do this for us. This is my story and my story is that of many women in Nigeria that do not have the courage to speak up,'” she revealed, highlighting the systemic issues many female politicians face.

Civil rights groups have voiced their concerns regarding her treatment and are calling for a thorough investigation into her allegations. Women's rights activist Hadiza Ado lamented the implications of Akpoti-Uduaghan's case, declaring it a grim day for Nigerian women striving for emancipation in politics.

As protests unfold in support and against Akpabio, the fallout from this scandal continues to fuel conversations surrounding women's rights and political representation in Nigeria.