Wednesday, 12 March 2025 04:38

Natasha takes sexual harassment case against Akpabio to the UN

Rate this item
(0 votes)

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, has escalated her legal battle against Senate President Godswill Akpabio to the international stage. During the Women in Parliament session at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting held at the United Nations in New York, Akpoti-Uduaghan detailed her allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of office against Akpabio, seeking justice and the intervention of global democratic institutions.

The lawmaker described her suspension from the Senate as illegal and expressed fears that she could be detained upon her return to Nigeria for speaking out at the international forum. Her suspension came after she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office, allegations he has vehemently denied.

The conflict between the two lawmakers reached a boiling point last Thursday when the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan following a seat arrangement dispute on February 20, 2025.

Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a N100 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpabio and challenged her suspension in court. A Federal High Court in Abuja granted her an interim order restraining the Senate’s disciplinary committee from proceeding with its investigation, with the case adjourned to March 10, 2025.

However, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, the Senate committee dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition against Akpabio, citing procedural violations and legal constraints. The committee declared the petition “dead on arrival,” but Akpoti-Uduaghan re-submitted the petition the following day, vowing to continue her fight for justice.

Allegations and Counteractions

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations have sparked a heated debate in Nigeria’s political landscape, with many calling for transparency and accountability in the Senate. Her decision to take the matter to the United Nations highlights the gravity of the situation and her determination to seek redress beyond Nigeria’s borders.

The Senate President has consistently denied the allegations, labeling them as baseless and politically motivated. Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team has argued that her suspension and the dismissal of her petition are attempts to silence her and undermine her quest for justice.

Implications for Nigeria’s Democracy

The case has drawn significant attention to issues of gender-based violence, abuse of power, and the treatment of whistleblowers in Nigeria’s political system. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s bold move to involve international bodies underscores the challenges faced by women in politics and the need for stronger mechanisms to address harassment and discrimination.

As the legal battle continues, the case serves as a litmus test for Nigeria’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and protecting the rights of its citizens, particularly women in leadership positions. The outcome of this high-profile dispute could have far-reaching implications for accountability and governance in the country.

Conclusion

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision to bring her case against Senate President Godswill Akpabio to the United Nations marks a significant escalation in her fight for justice. Her allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of office have ignited a national conversation about power dynamics, gender equality, and the rule of law in Nigeria. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case will undoubtedly remain a focal point in the ongoing struggle for transparency and accountability in Nigerian politics.

April 29, 2025

FCCPC orders electricity firm to refund customers for transformer, equipment purchases

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has directed the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company…
April 28, 2025

Natasha mocks Akpabio in scathing ‘apology’ over sexual harassment claim

Suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Sunday delivered a blistering, sarcastic "apology" to Senate…
April 29, 2025

How African popes changed Christianity - and gave the world Valentine's Day

Now predominantly Muslim, North Africa was once a Christian heartland, producing Catholic popes who left…
April 26, 2025

Declassified CIA file about UFO aliens attacking soldiers released

A declassified document posted to the CIA’s website is raising eyebrows with claims of an…
April 29, 2025

At least 26 people killed as 2 vehicles run over bomb planted by Boko Haram…

At least 26 people were killed on Monday when two vehicles detonated an improvised explosive…
April 29, 2025

What to know after Day 1160 of Russia-Ukraine war

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE Putin announces three-day Russian ceasefire in Ukraine from 8 May Russian President Vladimir…
April 27, 2025

Smartphone use could reduce dementia risk in older adults, study finds

The first generation that has been exposed consistently to digital technology has reached the age…
January 08, 2025

NFF appoints new Super Eagles head coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach…

NEWSSCROLL TEAM: 'Sina Kawonise: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief; Afolabi Ajibola: IT Manager;
Contact Us: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: +234 811 395 4049

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 NewsScroll. All rights reserved.