Multiple protests on Wednesday morning erupted at the National Assembly in Abuja and at Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituency in Kogi State.
The protesters, who were suspected to be Natasha’s supporters were protesting against alleged victimization of the female senator by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The Nigerian Economy gathered that the protest at the National Assembly was disrupted by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, who fired teargas to prevent the protesters from accessing the National Assembly Complex.
Also, it was learnt that a similar protest took place simultaneously at Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituency headquarters in Okene, Kogi State and was not disrupted by the police.
This was as a Federal High Court in Abuja stopped the Senate from probing Natasha over her allegation against Akpabio.
The female senator had alleged that the Senate President was victimising her because she declined his sexual advances.
The protesters at the National Assembly had first gathered at the gate as early as 8am, ahead of the resumption of plenary.
However, the police swiftly moved in, firing teargas canisters to disperse the demonstrators.
The crowd later relocated to the Unity Fountain to continue their protest.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, has been embroiled in a heated clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements in the Senate.
The dispute, which occurred on February 20, led to Akpoti-Uduaghan being referred to the Senate’s disciplinary panel.
In a dramatic twist, the senator filed a N100 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpabio.
Last Friday, she publicly accused Akpabio of punishing and maligning her because she refused his alleged sexual advances.
It was also gathered that a similar protest is currently taking place in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituency in Kogi State.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
The demonstration, organized by the Kogi Central People’s Alliance (KOCEPA), saw protesters carrying placards demanding an end to the alleged sexual harassment and intimidation by the Senate President.
Some of the placards read: “Senator Akpabio, stop the intimidation and harassment of Dist. Sen. Natasha,” and “A Senate In Shackles: Breaking Free From Sen. Akpabio’s Grip On Our Democracy. Enough Of Sen. Akpabio.”
Court stops Senate from probing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Meanwhile, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has restrained the Senate from going on with its scheduled public hearing on the alleged misconduct of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Natasha had been invited for the hearing rescheduled to proceed today over her conduct at the Senate the week earlier when she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of victimising her by reallocating her seat.
She doubled down on Akpabio by subsequently accusing the president of the Senate of sexually harassing her, a development that subsequently reinvented the dialogue on the faceoff between the two of them.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu who granted the interim injunction among others ordered the National Assembly, Senate and the Senate Committee on Ethics to suspend the hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
The defendants including the Clerk of the National, clerk of the Senate and the Committee on Ethics are to show cause within 72 hours why an interlocutory injunction to stop the hearing should not be granted.
Women rise in defence of Natasha
More women are rising to defend Natasha from what they as gender-based discrimination at the Nigerian Senate.
Betty Akeredolu, the widow of former Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, on Monday, expressed strong support for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan amid her ongoing clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Akeredolu criticized Akpabio’s response to the allegations raised by Akpoti-Uduaghan, arguing that in a more civilized society, he would have stepped down to clear his name instead of involving his wife in the matter. She described the move as an attempt to avoid direct accountability while putting his wife in the line of fire.
Addressing the core issue, Akeredolu condemned the alleged reallocation of Senate seats without prior notice, calling it both disrespectful and a violation of personal rights.
Mrs Akeredolu praised Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for speaking out against Akpabio, stating that even if such actions had gone unchallenged in the past, the senator’s bold stance had now brought the issue to light.
“Some unserious women are talking ‘cho cho cho,’ blaming Natasha for being sentimental. What a pointless argument!” she wrote, emphasizing that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s outburst was an act of courage that deserved support, not criticism.
Mrs Betty Akeredolu
Akeredolu further lamented the underrepresentation of women in Nigerian politics, pointing out that there are only four female senators out of 107. She called for greater support for strong female voices like Natasha, likening her activism to that of Rosa Parks and urging Nigerian women to rally behind her ahead of future elections.
She concluded her post with a reference to Kenyan politician Millie Odhiambo, stating, “Good girls don’t get corner offices,” reinforcing the need for more assertive women in leadership.
Also, ex-wife of Reno Omokri, Toukpe Onuwaje has disclosed plans to mobilize support for the female senator.
She expressed her support for Natasha who has been at the centre of a sexual harassment controversy involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a message of solidarity posted on her Facebook page on Sunday, Onuwaje praised Senator Natasha’s bravery, which she described as “inspiring.”
She stated that Senator Natasha is not alone, adding that her voice matters.
Onuwaje concluded by sending love and prayers to the senator.
She wrote, “Your bravery is inspiring! Sharing your story takes immense courage, and I’m so proud of you for speaking out.
“Remember, you’re not alone, and your voice matters. Keep shining, and know that you’re making a difference! Sending love and prayers.”
