In a recent interview with the BBC, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central opened up about her suspension from the Nigerian Senate and alleged sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Akpoti-Uduaghan described her six-month suspension as a tactic to silence her, likening the Senate to a “cult” where many lawmakers fear speaking out.

She recounted incidents where Akpabio allegedly made inappropriate advances, including suggestive comments about her not wearing a wedding ring.

In response, Senate Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwaebonyi denied these allegations, asserting that Akpabio never acted inappropriately toward Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The situation has sparked discussions about the treatment of female lawmakers in Nigeria and the internal dynamics of the Senate.