The National Assembly complex in Abuja became a scene of chaos and tension on Wednesday as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan led a protest demanding the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The protest, which was met with a counter-demonstration by pro-Akpabio supporters, followed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President.
The senator representing Kogi Central had recently accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her during a visit to his residence in December 2023 and again when she sought clarification on her Ajaokuta Steel motion. Akpoti-Uduaghan also alleged that she was deliberately isolated from other senators during plenary sessions, further fueling tensions between her and the Senate leadership.
Protest and Counter-Protest at the National Assembly
As Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the protest scene near the Mopol gate, her supporters erupted in cheers, waving placards with messages such as “Akpabio must go” and “We stand with Senator Natasha.” The protesters, which included members of civil society groups and concerned citizens, called for a thorough investigation into the senator’s allegations and demanded accountability from the Senate leadership.
However, the protest was met with a counter-demonstration by pro-Akpabio supporters, who held banners with inscriptions like “We say no to Natasha’s serial blackmailing” and “Akpabio treated Natasha as a daughter and friend.” The rival groups engaged in heated exchanges, creating a tense atmosphere at the National Assembly complex.
Security Intervention and Tear Gas
Earlier in the day, security personnel, some of whom were not in uniform, had dispersed the initial wave of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters with tear gas at the National Assembly Arcade, opposite Eagle Square. The protesters, who had begun gathering around 9 a.m., were forced to retreat but later regrouped at a nearby location to continue their demonstration.
The use of tear gas by security personnel drew criticism from some quarters, with many questioning the heavy-handed approach to handling peaceful protests. Despite the intervention, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters remained resolute, vowing to continue their demonstration until their demands were met.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Allegations Against Akpabio
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Akpabio have sparked a national debate, with many calling for an independent investigation into the matter. The senator claimed that Akpabio sexually harassed her during a private meeting at his residence and again when she sought answers about her Ajaokuta Steel motion.
In addition to the harassment allegations, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of marginalizing her in the Senate, citing her isolated seating arrangement during plenary sessions as evidence of deliberate exclusion. These claims have further strained the relationship between the two lawmakers, with Akpoti-Uduaghan emerging as a vocal critic of the Senate leadership.
Calls for Accountability and Transparency
The protest led by Akpoti-Uduaghan has reignited calls for accountability and transparency in the National Assembly. Many Nigerians have expressed support for the senator, urging the Senate to address her allegations and ensure that such incidents are not swept under the rug.
Civil society groups and gender rights activists have also joined the call for an independent investigation, emphasizing the need to protect women in positions of power from harassment and discrimination. The allegations against Akpabio have highlighted the challenges faced by female lawmakers in a male-dominated political environment.
Pro-Akpabio Group Defends Senate President
On the other hand, the pro-Akpabio demonstrators have dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations as baseless and politically motivated. They accused the senator of engaging in a smear campaign against the Senate President, describing her actions as an attempt to tarnish his reputation.
The counter-protesters expressed their unwavering support for Akpabio, describing him as a compassionate and inclusive leader who has treated Akpoti-Uduaghan with respect and fairness. They called for an end to what they termed “serial blackmailing” and urged the public to disregard the allegations.
Conclusion
The protest and counter-protest at the National Assembly underscore the deep divisions within the Senate and the broader political landscape. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio have sparked a heated debate, with both sides digging in their heels.
As the situation unfolds, there is a growing demand for an independent investigation to ascertain the truth and ensure accountability. The incident has also brought to the fore the need for stronger mechanisms to address issues of harassment and discrimination in Nigeria’s political institutions.
For now, the National Assembly remains a battleground of conflicting interests, with the hopes of many Nigerians resting on a transparent and impartial resolution to the crisis.
