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Sexual Harassment Allegation In The Senate Negates National Cohesion

Published

9 months ago

March 12, 2025

Cases of sexual harassment have been existing even beyond Nigeria.
Only recently, it reared its ugly head in the National Assembly, particularly in the hallowed chamber of the Senate where an accusation by a sitting Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that she was a victim of sexual harassment by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
This was after she had been relocated to another seat in the chamber, in what is generally considered a routine and not an uncommon scenario.
Apparently the change of seat did not go down well with the Kogi Central Senator who turned round to allege that she was being victimised because she had turned down overtures of sexual affiliation with Akpabio.
The allegation and subsequent six months suspension of Natasha for breaching rules and procedure after the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges reviewed the matter is to say the least worrisome.

Issues bordering on sexual harassment are however now more prominent with politicians, celebrities and those in offices of authority, especially where ‘favour’ is often dished out.
The Akpabio-Natasha imbroglio is coming at a time when there is need for cohesion and consensus among the members of the Senate to move the nation forward given our parlous state of economy and national development.
Before now, both have had informal cordiality dating years before they met at the National Assembly.
It is sad that dirty linens are being washed in the public such that those remotely or closely related to the incident at the NASS have been subjected to the cleaners and their moral standing subjected to scrutiny.
Many individuals, groups and even government agencies have taken a stance in the public domain with a demeaning effect on national cohesion.
We see this situation as a huge distraction for the Senate as court cases have been instituted by Natasha and even Akpabio’s family on different issues.
While not labeling Akpabio as a culprit in this matter as we are not exposed to facts behind the scene, there is reason for those in authority to be conscious that they hold positions in trust for the people and at all times put the interest of the nation first in the discharge of their duties.
In this vein, NASS should seek ways to mitigate crisis of any nature as well as review the suspension slammed against Natasha to a less-severe punishment on the issue of negating Senate rules and procedure so that the people of Kogi Central will not be left for too long without a representation in the upper legislative chamber.
We are of the view that there is a need for unity of purpose among NASS members to enhance national cohesion for development in this trying period of our nation.

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Reps Security Session: Wale Raji Proposes Service Extension, Special Courts to Tackle Insecurity”

Published

3 days ago

November 27, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi
The House of Representatives, on Thursday, intensified its search for sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s worsening security challenges as lawmakers continued it’s Special Plenary Session dedicated to reviewing the nation’s security architecture and strengthening its legislative response to growing threats.

Contributing to the debate, Hon. Wale Raji Member Representing Epe federal constituency of Lagos State and the Chairman House committee on livestock development presented far-reaching proposal aimed at strengthening national defense and tackling the escalating wave of insecurity across the country.

Hon. Raji commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the recruitment of additional personnel into the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army. He, however, stressed that beyond new recruitment, Nigeria must urgently retain the institutional memory and field experience of officers nearing retirement.

Raji proposed an extension of service years for retiring military and police personnel—provided they are medically certified fit—arguing that their expertise is indispensable at a time when national security is under severe strain.

“New recruits will require extensive training and time to gain experience,Meanwhile, we have seasoned hands whose skills and knowledge can still be harnessed. The Public Service Rules allow for this extension, and we can consider an additional two to five years for fit and capable officers.”he noted.

The lawmaker further pushed for the establishment of Special Courts or Tribunals to handle terrorism and banditry-related cases. He recommended that investigations, trials, and convictions be conducted within a six-month window to ensure swift justice and send a strong message to criminal elements.

Hon. Raji also urged the House to accelerate constitutional amendments to make state police a reality and called for stronger integration of local governments into Nigeria’s security structure. Citing successful community-based security models from Lagos, he stressed their effectiveness in tackling local crimes and aiding prosecution.

Responding to Raji’s presentation, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu praised the recommendations as “thought-provoking,” particularly the suggestion to re-engage retired officers whose experience the nation cannot afford to waste.

Kalu said the idea could lead to the creation of a special, highly trained force led by experienced officers who left the service due to promotions or political appointments.“It is a very stimulating suggestion,We will dissect it further and reflect it appropriately in our resolutions.”he said.

The House is expected to develop concrete actions based on these proposals as Nigeria presses forward in the fight against insecurity.

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