The National Assembly witnessed heightened tensions on Wednesday as supporters of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with those of the Senate President Godswill Akpabio amid ongoing crisis in the Senate following sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, arrived at the National Assembly to a rousing welcome from her supporters, who have been demanding Akpabio’s resignation over her accusations of sexual harassment against him.
The female Senator had alleged that Akpabio made inappropriate advances towards her at his residence in December 2023 and again when she sought clarification regarding her Ajaokuta Steel motion. She also accused him of deliberately isolating her in the Senate chamber through seating arrangements following a face-off during plenary.
As Akpoti-Uduaghan approached the protest site near the MOPOL gate, her supporters erupted in cheers, holding placards with inscriptions such as, “Akpabio must go, “We stand with Senator Natasha”
Many among the demonstrators were members of civil society organiSations, demanding a full investigation into the Senator’s allegations against Akpabio.
However, in dramatic turn of events, a rival group of pro-Akpabio supporters staged a counter-protest, rejecting Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims. Their banners carried messages such as, “We say no to Natasha’s serial blackmailing” and “Akpabio treated Natasha as a daughter and friend”
Earlier in the day, reports indicated that security personnel—some in uniform and others in plainclothes—attempted to disperse Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters at the National Assembly gate, opposite the Eagle Square. Tear gas was deployed, forcing the demonstrators to scamper to safety.
Despite the initial dispersal, the protesters regrouped at a nearby location and continued their demonstration, vowing not to relent until their demands were met.
With tension escalating within and outside the Senate, all eyes remained on the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which is currently handling the case of alleged misconduct against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
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