A storm is brewing in Nigeria’s Senate as U.S.-based women’s rights advocate, Stella Okengwu, raises alarm over what she perceives as a calculated attempt to silence Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Okengwu’s concerns follow a dramatic session in the Senate, where Natasha submitted a petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
The Kogi Central senator didn’t stop there; she also alleged that Akpabio had abused his office and deliberately obstructed her legislative duties.
However, the response from the Senate was swift and dismissive. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions immediately declared Natasha’s petition “dead on arrival,” while Akpabio himself flatly denied the accusations.
Speaking in an interview with Channels Television, Okengwu didn’t hold back her outrage.
“What happened today is repugnant. That’s how I’m gonna describe it,” she stated.
She expressed concerns that the Senate seemed to be rallying against Natasha rather than allowing due process.
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Calling for fairness, she urged Akpabio to step aside and allow a proper investigation to take place.
“He should stand aside. She said she has proof they should allow her to bring it forward,” Okengwu argued.
Drawing a parallel to past incidents, including a controversial remark by former senator Dino Melaye, she questioned the culture of dismissing women’s allegations.
“Ninety-five percent of women have faced sexual abuse, but they can’t speak up. If they do, who will listen? Instead of demanding evidence that may not always exist, why not allow an investigation to take its course? Nobody is above the law.”
As the controversy unfolds, all eyes are now on the Senate to see if justice will be served or if Natasha’s claims will be buried under political maneuvering.