Senator Natasha Speaks Out Against Alleged Suppression in Senate

Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has spoken out about what she describes as a culture of fear in the Nigerian Senate, where lawmakers reportedly hesitate to voice differing opinions from Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She claimed that many senators are afraid to disagree, fearing the loss of opportunities and privileges.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Akpoti-Uduaghan recounted instances of inappropriate comments made by Akpabio and other senators, including remarks about her marital status and physical appearance. She expressed concern that such behaviour undermined her dignity and that of other female lawmakers.

Senate Deputy Majority Leader Onyekachi Nwebonyi rejected the allegations, insisting that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims were unfounded and that there had been no harassment in the Senate. He also refuted the notion of the Senate operating as a closed or secretive group.

“Natasha’s behaviour in the Senate does not reflect that. There was never a time the Senate President made any attempt to harass Senator Akpoti at his home or made any inappropriate statements in the Senate.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conflict with Senate leadership began over a disagreement about seating arrangements. Following the dispute, she raised her concerns internationally, filing complaints with the United Nations and the Inter-Parliamentary Union, alleging that the Senate’s actions were politically motivated.

During a session at the UN’s Women in Parliament event, Akpoti-Uduaghan called for greater global attention to the treatment of female lawmakers in Nigeria, highlighting punitive measures such as salary cuts and security withdrawal imposed upon her.