‘Senate Chamber like a cult’– Akpoti-Uduaghan alleges harassment, intimidation by lawmakers

The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday described the legislative chamber, as “a cult” where dissent is stifled and fear governs proceedings.

In an interview with the BBC, Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of four women in the 109-member Senate, revealed that she has faced sexual harassment, including from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, an accusation he has vehemently denied.

Her claims have sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, highlighting concerns over gender dynamics, power struggles, and the culture of intimidation in the Senate.

The Senate had last week handed Akpoti-Uduaghan a six-month suspension, citing alleged violations of its standing rules.

However, the Kogi senator insists that her punishment is politically motivated and intended to silence her.

READ ALSO: SERAP sues Akpabio for failure to reverse ‘unlawful suspension’ of Akpoti-Uduaghan

“This is victimization,” she said. “It’s a way to shut me up.”

Her suspension comes amid growing concerns over the treatment of women in Nigerian politics, where female representation remains alarmingly low.

Beyond the harassment claims, Akpoti-Uduaghan painted a grim picture of the legislative chamber, alleging that lawmakers are often too afraid to challenge the status quo.

“The Senate is like a cult,” she said, adding that members rarely express contrary views for fear of retaliation.

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