Andrew Haruna
Suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, became emotional during a BBC interview as she recounted her ordeal following her allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In the emotional interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan revealed that she initially believed the worst was over after enduring months of harassment and political victimization. However, she expressed deep distress over her suspension, describing it as an attempt to silence her for speaking out against sexual harassment and gender discrimination in the Senate.
“I thought the worst was over,” she said through tears, recalling how she had faced intimidation, exclusion, and undue hardship for refusing to submit to Akpabio’s alleged advances.
Her appearance on BBC follows a series of international engagements where she has sought justice, including addressing the United Nations’ Inter-Parliamentary Union and a feature on Sky News. She has consistently argued that her suspension was politically motivated and intended to discourage female politicians from challenging systemic oppression.
Akpoti-Uduaghan reiterated that she was not suspended for any gross misconduct, as claimed by the Senate, but for refusing to back down against powerful forces. She called on human rights organizations and the international community to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable.
Meanwhile, the Senate leadership has yet to officially respond to her latest emotional testimony. Akpabio, who has been at the center of the controversy, has remained silent on the allegations.
As the saga unfolds, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resilience in seeking justice continues to spark debates on gender equality, abuse of power, and the treatment of female lawmakers in Nigeria’s political space.
