… tear gas, court injunctions, political power play shake National Assembly
The Nigerian Senate remains engulfed in controversy as the Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions Committee on Wednesday, officially dismissed the sexual harassment petition filed against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The decision, which has further polarized the upper chamber, comes amid a heated legal and political battle that has sparked nationwide outrage.
The committee, led by Senator Neda Imasuen, ruled that the petition lacked substantial evidence and failed to meet legislative standards for consideration. Imasuen declared it “dead on arrival,” reinforcing Akpabio’s repeated denials of any wrongdoing.
However, the dismissal has done little to douse tensions, as supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan took to the National Assembly complex in protest, demanding justice. The demonstrators, largely composed of women’s rights activists and civil society groups, were met with a heavy police presence. Security forces fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, but many protesters regrouped at Unity Fountain, vowing to sustain their demonstration.
Adding to the unfolding drama, the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order barring the Senate from proceeding with any disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan. The ruling, delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, temporarily shields the Kogi Central senator from further sanctions over her ongoing dispute with Akpabio.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who had accused Akpabio of orchestrating her legislative struggles after she allegedly rejected his advances, has remained defiant. Her allegations, first made public on February 28 during a television interview, have since sparked fierce debate over gender, power, and accountability in Nigeria’s political landscape.
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Meanwhile, sources within the Senate suggest that tensions are far from over. Some lawmakers, particularly from the opposition, have criticized the speed at which the petition was dismissed, arguing that due process was not fully observed. Others insist that the matter should be laid to rest, calling for focus on legislative duties rather than internal power struggles.
As the controversy deepens, all eyes remain on the next moves by both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio. With court proceedings still in play and public sentiment growing, the battle within the Senate is far from settled.