On Friday, February 28, Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has been vocal about her alleged unfair treatment in the Senate, left us all in shock when she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of.
Many concerned Nigerians have been waiting to hear Akpabio鈥檚 side of the story since then, but the senate president till Wednesday, March 5.
From defamation lawsuits to calls for apologies, here鈥檚 a timeline of all the major events that have raised questions about the Senate鈥檚 approach towards Natasha鈥檚 claims since the news became public.
February 28: Senator Ireti Dismisses Natasha鈥檚 claims
Senator Ireti Kingibe has weighed on the controversy surrounding Senator Natasha sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio, denying any direct knowledge of misconduct. In an interview with ARISE NEWS, Kingibe stated that neither she nor the other female senators had experienced harassment, adding that Akpoti-Uduaghan 鈥渘ever discussed it with us.鈥
Kingibe also claimed that Akpoti-Uduaghan had received more privileges than the other female senators, saying, 鈥淭o be honest, Senator Natasha has gotten the most privilege of all the four of us.鈥 Defending Akpabio鈥檚 leadership, Kingibe noted that while the Senate is 鈥渘ot gender-friendly,鈥 she has seen improvements. She also expressed disappointment that Akpoti-Uduaghan ignored her calls after the incident, claiming she even reached out to her husband, who said she was in Singapore.
March 1: Defamation suit against Natasha by Akpabio鈥檚 wife
Senate President Godswill Akpabio鈥檚 wife, Ekaette Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan for defamation over her sexual harassment claims against her husband.
She filed two lawsuits at the Federal High Court in Abuja, demanding 鈧350 billion in damages, arguing that the allegations have harmed her family鈥檚 reputation and caused them emotional distress. Mrs Akpabio also wants the court to declare Natasha鈥檚 claims defamatory, stop her from making further statements, and force her to issue a public apology in national newspapers.
March 4: CAN speaks against calls for Akpabio鈥檚 resignation
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has for caution in handling the sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio. While some Nigerians are calling for his resignation, CAN argues that it is too soon to take such action without concrete evidence.
Reverend Joseph Hayab, the chairman of CAN in Northern Nigeria, described the situation as unfortunate and called for respected elders to intervene. He warned against taking sides and stressed the need for a responsible and peaceful resolution. CAN also urged the media to avoid sensationalism and advised lawmakers to focus on more pressing national issues.
March 4: Call for an independent investigation into Natasha鈥檚 claims
On Tuesday, March 4, a women鈥檚 rights group, Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW), for Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step down so an independent investigation can be carried out on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan鈥檚 sexual harassment allegations.
The group accused the Senate of sidelining female lawmakers and warned that ignoring Natasha鈥檚 claims would only encourage more abuse of power. They also pointed out that this Akpabio has faced such accusations and urged the Senate to take them seriously. VIEW demanded fair treatment for Natasha and called for changes to Senate rules to protect female lawmakers.
March 5: Call for an apology from Akpabio supporters
On March 5, a group of women gathered at the National Assembly against Natasha鈥檚 sexual harassment claims and 鈥渟erial blackmailing鈥, claiming that Akpabio treated her like a daughter and friend. They also demanded that Natasha apologize to the senate president for making those allegations.
March 5: Allegation dismissal from Senator Imasuen
Senator Neda Imasuen, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics (the committee in charge of investigating Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan鈥檚 claims), also of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. In an interview on March 5, Imasuen insisted no female senator had complained of misconduct and suggested that Senator Natasha misinterpreted any perceived familiarity in the Senate.
March 5: Resistance to Natasha鈥檚 sexual harassment petition in the Senate
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan tried to accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment on March 5, but other senators shut it down. While Akpabio initially allowed her to speak, Senate leaders quickly objected, claiming the issue was already in court鈥攁 claim Natasha denied. A heated argument broke out, and the Senate went into a closed session. When they returned, they moved on without addressing her petition, leading Natasha to leave the Senate building.
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