Forget About These Love Stories! Let’s Discuss Issues Of National Concern And Economic Instability ~ Nigerian Tells Akpabio

Hello my fellow countrymen! Don’t take this all wrong – I’ve seen very many youths, civil servants, ladies and gentlemen picking grudges and throwing abusive words on one another all because of Akpabio and Natasha’s Love controversy. Please if you’re among these masses that pick this controversy personal, kindly read my own side of the story and what I have to open to you today in regards to these two Admirers. But before then, and before you start fighting me, your brother, colleague or your wife over political issues, kindly remember that these two parties are Politicians – So tell me, what did you expect from politicians?

 

Politics in a layman’s understanding means 419 – a game of trick, and injustice. Let’s always see it this way, if you’re happen to lead a group of people whom are insatiable, not because they have consumed all they got yesterday, but just because bags of fortunes keep coming in everyday but you try to dumb them in your fat pocket, be ready to face a catastrophic moment and discredit that may weaken your pride and boldness; this is a case related to the controversial sexual harassment petition against Senator Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti.

 

Political stories in Nigeria have generated as much public debate as the clash between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The controversy began with a shocking allegation: Natasha accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim that sent ripples through the nation. But instead of the Senate rallying to investigate, the tables turned—Natasha was suspended.

 

Was this a genuine disciplinary action, or was it a calculated move to silence a female lawmaker challenging the status quo? The unfolding drama has exposed deep-rooted power struggles, gender dynamics, and political maneuvering at the highest levels of governance.

 

The controversy erupted when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. According to her, the harassment was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of intimidation against female politicians in Nigeria.

 

Rather than receiving a formal investigation, Natasha was handed a six-month suspension by the Senate Ethics Committee. The official reason? She was accused of misconduct, refusing to sit in her assigned seat, and violating parliamentary procedures. But many saw this as a clear case of retaliation—punishing a woman for daring to challenge one of Nigeria’s most powerful politicians.

 

The timing of the suspension raised even more suspicion. It happened immediately after her allegations went public, leading many to question whether this was an attempt to silence her rather than uphold parliamentary rules. If you use social Media, you’ll not even know who’s right and who’s wrong, but in my own case I think both the senate committee on ethics and public petition, the judiciary and Natasha are all right in their moves. Yes, this is Nigeria. And the Man in the name of Akpabio isn’t a saint within, but a saint in court – all he’s asking for is evidence.

 

But what do you out think will be the outcome of Natasha’s action it she has no evidence. If Akpabio steps down as a senate in order to help in the proper investigation of this case, and he’s found innocent of the accusation, do you think this country will contain Natasha anymore? Do you even think that as flaw and godfatherism as Nigerian political system, that the investigation would fail to favor Akpabio and favours Natasha instead? Do you even think of how Akpabio bought his way into the senate and also becomes their president? I think there a few to know about this political mogul – Akpabio:

Sen. Godswill Akpabio

A Political Titan with a Controversial Record

 

To understand the gravity of this controversy, it’s essential to examine the man at the center of it all—Godswill Akpabio.

 

Akpabio has been a dominant figure in Nigerian politics for decades. Born on December 9, 1962, he rose to national prominence as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015. His tenure was marked by large-scale infrastructure projects, but also corruption allegations. But despite numerous investigations into his financial dealings—including claims that he diverted over ₦100 billion—he has never been formally convicted of any crime.

 

After his time as governor, Akpabio transitioned to national politics, serving as a senator before condescending so low to becoming the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs under President Buhari. You know Baba wasn’t his Political mate. But fast-forward to 2023, he was elected Senate President, after surrendering his vote to Baba Tinubu on the presidential primaries. Do you see the politics inside?

 

But power comes with scrutiny. Over the years, Akpabio has faced accusations of political intimidation, corruption, alleded kidnapping case, Oil derivative allocation forfeiture and now, sexual harassment.

 

Who Is Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan?

A Baby Senator Yet to Be Indoctrinated Into The Corrupt System

 

Unlike Akpabio, who has been part of the political establishment for decades, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan represents a new wave of Nigerian politicians—bold, outspoken, and unafraid to challenge the system.

 

Born on December 9, 1979, Natasha is a lawyer, activist, and politician. She first gained national attention through her campaign to revive the Abeokuta Steel Mill, Nigeria’s long-abandoned industrial project. Her advocacy turned her into a political force, and in 2023, she made history as the first elected female senator from Kogi State.

 

But her rise has not been without resistance. Natasha’s career has been marked by constant battles against powerful political figures who see her as a threat. Her clashes with male politicians, from former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to now Senate President Akpabio, highlight the entrenched patriarchy in Nigeria’s political sphere.

 

Her supporters see her as a champion for women’s rights and transparency, while her critics accuse her of playing the victim card to gain public sympathy. The truth, as always, lies somewhere in between.

 

The Significance Of Sen. Natasha’s Suspension By The Nigerian Senate

 

Nigeria has one of the lowest female representation rates in government, with women holding less than 10% of elected positions. When women like Natasha step into these male-dominated spaces, they are often met with hostility. Whether through smear campaigns, legislative roadblocks, or outright intimidation, the message is clear—politics remains a wicked man’s game.

 

The Significance? The decision to suspend Natasha has sent a chilling message to female politicians in Nigeria. If a sitting senator can be removed from office after making allegations against a senior official, what does this mean for other women facing similar situations?

 

The Senate’s move was swift and decisive. The Ethics Committee ruled that Natasha had violated parliamentary rules, citing her alleged disruptive behavior. But this justification has been widely questioned. The real question remains—was this about discipline, or was it about silencing a woman who dared to speak out?

 

Historically, Nigeria’s political landscape has not been kind to women who challenge male authority. From former Minister of Petroleum Diezani Alison-Madueke, who faced multiple corruption allegations, to former Minister of Finance Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who battled smear campaigns, the pattern is clear—women in power face an uphill battle.

 

What It Seems Like?  Gender, Power, and Silence

Beyond the immediate controversy, this case has reignited a national conversation about the treatment of women in politics. 

 

Sen. Natasha’s Suspension Has Raised Uncomfortable Controversies And Nigerians On Media Are Demanding Answers and Further Deliberations To These Questions:

 

Why was there no independent investigation into her claims?

Why was the Ethics Committee so quick to act against her but not against Akpabio?

What does this mean for other women who might come forward with similar allegations?

 

What Happens Next? The Unfinished Battle

Natasha’s suspension is not just about one senator—it is about the future of Nigerian politics. If this case sets a precedent where allegations of misconduct are met with swift punishment against the accuser, it will discourage other women from stepping into politics.

 

There are a few possible outcomes:

 

Natasha could take legal action against the Senate, challenging her suspension in court.

International organizations could apply pressure on Nigeria’s government to review the case.

Public outcry could force the Senate to reconsider its decision, although this is unlikely given Nigeria’s political climate.

Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear—this controversy has exposed the deep flaws in Nigeria’s political system. It has shown how power is wielded, how women in politics are treated, and how the fight for justice is often one-sided.

 

A Call for Reflection

As Nigerians, this case forces us to ask difficult questions. Do we truly believe in justice, or do we only support it when it serves our interests? Should politicians be held accountable, regardless of gender, or do we let power dictate who faces consequences?

 

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s fight is far from over. But whether she wins or loses, her story will be remembered as a turning point—a moment when Nigeria was forced to confront its uncomfortable truths. And when one of the most controversial and fearless Political leaders in Nigeria was forced to resign from his head position as president of the senate, and a moment where other political synergies would restrain from aiming at advantageous gain over a woman in return of political favours.

 

What’s your thought and commentary to the whole crisis happening within the Senate? Are these what we should be listening to? How about issues of economic instability, like inflation? If the senators that were elected and voted  to oversee these things and bring turnouts to the people are forgetting their responsibilities and rather turned into lovers, what’s the hope of a common Nigerian suffering everyday?

 

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