The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked a significant debate in Nigeria, drawing attention to women's rights in the country. Last July, Senate President Godswill Akpabio issued a rare apology after initially reprimanding Akpoti-Uduaghan for speaking out of turn, likening the situation to a nightclub scenario. Following a flood of critical messages from the public, Akpabio publicly apologized.
Recently, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment during an interview with Arise TV. She claimed Akpabio suggested her legislative motion could proceed if she "took care" of him and recounted an incident at his home where he made inappropriate comments while holding her hand. Akpabio has denied these allegations.
Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a harassment complaint with the senate, but it was dismissed on procedural grounds, and she received a six-month suspension for "unruly and disruptive" behavior during a separate incident. Her suspension has fueled discussions about women's rights in Nigeria, a country where no woman has held the positions of governor, vice-president, or president. The number of female senators has decreased, with only four women currently serving in the 109-member senate.
In a recent interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan criticized her suspension, calling it an attempt to silence her. Women's rights organizations have condemned the suspension, and protests have taken place across several states under the banner "We are all Natasha," organized by the Womanifesto coalition.
Akpabio's spokesperson argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan's petition was invalid because she filed it herself rather than through another senator. After refiling, the senate began a four-week investigation into the claims.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) from Kogi State, first entered politics in 2019, facing hostility and violence during her campaign for governor. She lost the election but later became one of Nigeria's youngest senators after a tribunal overturned the results.
Akpabio, a seasoned politician, has faced previous allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied, and has been involved in other controversies. Following Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension, many senators have rallied around Akpabio, a key ally of President Bola Tinubu.
Some male senators have dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan's claims as fabrications, while female senators have publicly doubted her allegations. Ireti Bakare-Yusuf, a women's rights advocate, criticized both male and female senators for their responses, highlighting the entrenched patriarchal structures in the country.
Amidst the controversy, false rumors about Akpoti-Uduaghan's personal life have circulated online, and she has faced public harassment from pro-Akpabio demonstrators. Despite this, some opposition senators have shown their support, and Akpoti-Uduaghan has received messages from women across Nigeria who relate to her experiences but fear speaking out.
While Akpoti-Uduaghan's courage is being recognized, many believe Nigeria is far from experiencing a #MeToo movement due to a culture of impunity that hinders justice. According to analyst Glory Ehiremen, justice in Nigeria often depends on connections with powerful figures, leaving ordinary citizens without recourse.