The Traffic

From Harassment Claims to Political Feud: The Explosive Drama Unfolding in the Senate"

By Achimi Muktar

The Nigerian Senate has become a battleground of accusations and counterclaims as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio continue to spark controversy. In a dramatic turn of events, Peter Nwaebonyi, deputy chief whip of the Senate, has dismissed her claims as a “desperate attempt” to derail disciplinary proceedings against her.

The Rift That Sparked the Storm

The feud between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio began after a recent seat reallocation in the red chamber. Unhappy with her new seat placement, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the leadership of trying to silence her. Matters escalated further on February 25, when the Senate referred her to the committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions for disciplinary review.

Days later, the Kogi Central senator made shocking claims that Akpabio had made sexual advances toward her both in his office and at his home. The allegations sent shockwaves through political circles, drawing a mix of outrage, skepticism, and legal threats. Akpabio’s wife, Ekaette, swiftly responded with a lawsuit, while many Nigerians called for an investigation into the matter.

A Pattern of Accusations?

Senator Nwaebonyi, however, isn’t buying it. He accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of having a history of making “reckless and false” harassment allegations against prominent figures. He questioned why the senator never raised concerns earlier, either privately or through formal channels within the Senate.

“There was no prior complaint, no record of distress, no mention to her husband, and no disclosure to female colleagues in the Senate,” Nwaebonyi said. “Instead, the accusation was unleashed only at the point of reckoning, in a desperate attempt to divert attention from legitimate disciplinary proceedings.”

Nwaebonyi also took issue with comparisons drawn to past Senate controversies, including former Senate President Bukola Saraki’s legal battles. Saraki, who weighed in on the matter, called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the allegations.

“In Saraki’s case, the matter revolved around an administrative issue tied to his official duties,” Nwaebonyi argued. “What we have here is a personal, unsubstantiated, and conveniently timed accusation.”

The Political Fallout

The scandal has not only intensified tensions within the Senate but has also ignited debates on the credibility of harassment claims in Nigerian politics. Nwaebonyi warned that accepting such allegations without scrutiny could set a dangerous precedent.

“If we take Saraki’s argument to its logical conclusion, we would be establishing a precedent where any gold digger or habitual liar can throw out an unsubstantiated allegation and expect the Senate to come to a halt while they are entertained,” he stated.

While reaffirming the importance of upholding Senate integrity, Nwaebonyi urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to seek legal redress if her claims were genuine, rather than using the media and the Senate as a “shield against accountability.”

“This is about a personal vendetta and a desperate attempt to escape disciplinary action,” he added. “The Senate must resist the temptation to legitimize a distraction campaign.”

As the drama unfolds, all eyes are now on the Senate Ethics Committee. Will Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims hold up under scrutiny, or will they be dismissed as another episode of political maneuvering? The coming weeks will determine the fate of one of the most heated controversies to hit the Senate in recent times.