Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan resumed plenary on Wednesday amid controversy over her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The Kogi Central senator took her seat in the chamber after a brief moment with her husband, who accompanied her to the session. The dispute over her newly assigned seat has intensified concerns about conduct and power dynamics within the Senate.
Outside the National Assembly, protesters gathered in support of Senator Natasha, demanding justice and denouncing attempts to silence women in politics. Security forces fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators, but they regrouped, insisting that President Bola Tinubu intervene. The Senate Ethics Committee, led by Senator Neda Imaseun, is also set to investigate Natasha for allegedly violating Senate rules, raising speculation about the motives behind the probe.
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Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio has denied the sexual harassment allegations, stating that he has been inundated with calls since February 25 regarding the matter. Addressing the Senate at plenary, he urged Nigerians, the media, and social media users to avoid drawing conclusions and instead await the court’s decision. He also acknowledged the widespread debate surrounding the issue.
Shortly after his remarks, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan formally raised a petition against Akpabio under Order 40, accusing him of abuse of office and sexual harassment. She requested permission to officially submit the petition to the Senate, escalating tensions within the chamber as the controversy continues to unfold.
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