Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused the Senate of applying double standards in disciplinary actions, arguing that male senators involved in physical altercations have not faced the same consequences she did. She was recently suspended for six months and questioned why similar actions by her male colleagues-such as engaging in fights, throwing objects, and shouting insults-did not lead to suspensions.
Speaking on the matter, Natasha stated, "I was simply asked to move, and I refused because I had the right to be notified and given a chance to defend my position. Meanwhile, I have witnessed male senators physically fighting and hurling insults, yet they were never suspended. Why? Because they are men?"
She challenged the Senate to clearly outline the misconduct that warranted her suspension, asserting that the real reason was political retaliation. She argued that her suspension was a direct response to a petition she submitted, rather than any misconduct.
The controversy began after Natasha accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment in her petition. She claimed that after rejecting his alleged advances, she faced systematic harassment and was deprived of her rights as a senator.
"I experienced sexual harassment from the Senate president for a year. When I refused to comply with his demands, it turned into malice, and my legislative privileges were denied. I found the courage to speak up," she revealed.
During an interview with Sky News, Natasha described how her attempts to fulfill her legislative duties were deliberately obstructed. She recounted that her husband, a friend of Akpabio, even approached him to advocate for her, yet she continued to be sidelined.
She further alleged that Akpabio linked her participation in Senate activities to personal favors. "Whenever I approached him alone, he would remind me that he was the chief presiding officer and that I had to 'please' him to access my privileges. This happened multiple times, and because I refused, the situation escalated."
According to Natasha, the final straw came when she was forcibly removed from her seat. "Yes, the breaking point was being moved from that seat. I had silently endured so much," she said before being interrupted.
Despite Akpabio's denial of the allegations, Natasha remains firm, insisting that her suspension was a punishment for speaking out. "What other way was I supposed to make my voice heard?" she asked.
The Senate, however, claims that her suspension was due to "gross misconduct and unruly behavior," not her allegations against Akpabio. Natasha's demand for a clear explanation of what constituted her misconduct remains unanswered..
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