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Sexual Harassment Allegation In The Senate Negates National Cohesion

Published

10 hours 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.