The ongoing conflict between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central continues to intensify, following serious fresh revelations of sexual harassment made by Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for alleged “gross misconduct” and disruptive behaviour concerning seating arrangements, the BBC that the Senate President reportedly told her that her waist movement meant that her husband “must be enjoying her’.
She said her suspension was simply a pretext to silence her and that Akpabio had made unwanted advances both inside and outside the Senate chamber.
She said in one instant when she forgot to wear her wedding ring” Akpabio remarked in front of several senators, “Oh, Natasha, you’re not wearing your ring… is this an invitation to treat?”
On another occasion, she claimed Akpabio commented on her personal life, saying, “Your husband must be enjoying. Looks like you know how to move your waist.” According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, these comments were often followed by laughter from other senators present.
Visibly distressed, Akpoti-Uduaghan shared the emotional toll that these experiences have had on her. “People don’t understand what it’s like to carry this.
Maybe we don’t talk about it enough in Nigeria or Africa,” she said, her voice breaking.
She expressed a deep longing for a workplace where she could simply focus on her duties without being subjected to such behaviour.
Despite the pain, she also acknowledged the support she has received from female parliamentarians across Africa, who have reached out to share their own similar experiences in male-dominated political environments.
