- Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Nigerian Senate after sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Akpabio
- The suspension sparked widespread reactions, including calls for justice by former Minister Oby Ezekwesili
- TheRadar compiled public reactions over the Senate’s handling of the harassment allegations
The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate, following her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has sparked widespread reactions.
Critics, including prominent figures, have condemned the move, demanding transparency and accountability.
Oby Ezekwesili criticises Senate's treatment of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan
One of the loudest voices in opposition has come from former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili, who expressed her disbelief at the Senate's treatment of Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Ezekwesili took to social media, on Thursday, March 6, stating, “Did I just hear a voice of a Senator say, ‘She’s not coming back’ to Senator @NatashaAkpoti? Wonderful. When men, because of fleeting power, start speaking as if they are God, we all must remember what history reveals about their kind."
Ezekwesili went on to praise Akpoti-Uduaghan, declaring, "Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, you have inspired a generation. You have inspired all credible citizens. You. Will. Never. Walk. Alone."
The former minister's statement called for solidarity, emphasising the senator's courage in bringing forward serious allegations.
Ezekwesili writes open letter to the Senate
In addition to her public remarks, Ezekwesili penned an open letter to the Nigerian Senate, urging for a thorough and independent investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan's petition.
In the letter, she made two key demands:
- The swift appointment of an independent investigator to look into the allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, with a copy sent to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
- The elevation of the proceedings by the Senate’s Ethics and Privileges Committee into a public hearing for full transparency.
Ezekwesili stressed the importance of accountability, noting that the National Assembly, which includes the Senate and the House of Representatives, belongs to the Nigerian people, not to any individual or group of politicians.
She further emphasised the need for transparency, saying, “No individual or collection of individuals and their groups can capture a public institution and use it for their personal benefit.”
In her letter, Ezekwesili condemned the Senate’s dismissal of Akpoti-Uduaghan's accusations, calling it a “Democratic Aberration” and an affront to Nigeria’s democratic values.
She added that the handling of the matter by Senate President Akpabio, who presided over the proceedings involving his allegations, was “farcical” and a “blot on our democracy.”
The public outcry over the handling of the suspension and the allegations against Akpabio has continued to grow. TheRadar compiled a series of reactions from Nigerians below:
Public reacts to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension
“It's a cardinal principle of law that you cant be a judge in your own case. The senate president can't preside the proceeding where he's got a case to answer,” I am Eri’ Oluwa reacted.
“Was she suspended becuz of sex allegation or becuz she float senate rules ? Why are we so emotional,” CIA Asset bettorsbest reacted?
“Is the original post about her suspension or the dismissal of her petition without any investigation? Sometimes it's better to keep mute and be assumed wise than to talk and reveal one's daftness. And it's "flout". Talmbout, "why are we so emotional" Uzoma added.
“Senator Natasha is suffering this persecution now because she failed to plan. If it's true that Akpabio was harassing her sexually which is very likely, she should have recorded at least one voice note to use as evidence. She really messsed up,” Ifiok stated.
“Brought her evidence out for your entertainment? Or brought her evidence out to the set of lackeys that make up the Senate? If you were in her shoes will you bring out your lifeline in either situations?” Eromosele reacted.
“Just this morning, I was responding to a tweet that an independent forensic investigation be done. I totally agree with you ma'am.
These people should stop bullying their fellow senators and Nigerians at large. They did this to senator Ningi and he's suspended and hitherto, the issue of padding investigation, died a natural death ☠️.
It's really a shame that people who are meant to uphold the law and justice, are the very ones tearing the law and its institutions down in a brazen manner to suit their ego,” Thomas Philip reacted.
“36 useless PDP senators could not even speak up for their colleague,” Mr Alive stated.
“Let PDP senators talk anything against Akpabio, Wike will expell them from the Senate 😆😆😆 Even their governors can't talk. Before the woman accused SP,I know that's their problem. He wan knack the beautiful lady but she no gree,he come de frustrate her for Senate,” Chucks Ayoku stated.
“Section 68 and Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria is clear, the suspension of Senator Natasha Apkoti is illegal. No Senator have the power to suspend an elected Senator,” Tobi Akinbo J reacted.
Criticism grows as opposition parties, NBA condemn Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that political figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi criticised the Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
According to the report, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan announced plans to challenge her suspension in court.