The Nigerian Senate has faced criticism for its perceived subservience to the presidency, with some labeling it a “rubber stamp” for its lack of independence. This assertion is rooted in the Senate’s apparent willingness to toe the line set by the executive arm of government, often at the expense of its constitutional oversight role.
Disappointing Performance:
The 10th Senate, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has been accused of lacking autonomy, with some lawmakers facing criticism for their alignment with the presidency. A notable example is the illegal suspension of Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months after she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment. Critics argue that this action demonstrates the Senate’s lack of independence and its prioritization of protecting powerful individuals over holding them accountable .
In contrast to the Senate’s disappointing performance, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan stands out for her courage in speaking out against misogyny and sexual harassment. Her allegations against Akpabio have sparked a national conversation about gender-based violence and the need for systemic change. Natasha’s determination to hold those in power accountable, despite facing backlash and suspension, is a testament to her strength and conviction.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions have significant implications for promoting accountability and challenging patriarchal norms in Nigeria. Her courage in speaking out against powerful individuals has inspired others to do the same, highlighting the need for systemic change and greater accountability in the country’s institutions. By standing up for herself and other women, Natasha is helping to create a more just and equitable society.
Senator Natasha as a metaphor of collective guilt:
Many blame Distinguished Senator Natasha for reporting the Nigerian 10th Senate that suspended her illegally for six months after she made a serious allegation of sexual harassment against the Senate President – Good’swill Akpabio, without subjecting such a serious allegation to an independent investigative panel to The IPU. Rather, the Senate President ended up being the judge of his own case, in a supposedly democratic system of government. Worst still, in the Senate, where laws are being made to safeguard the sanctity of the democratic system.
If all these shenanigans could happen in the Senate where else should she have reported to, taken cognisance of the fact that she had approached the court and there was an injunction issued by the court that she shouldn’t be suspended, and the Senate flagrantly disregarded the court order. If not to report to “The inter-parliamentary union” , the only institution that promotes gender equality and protects the rights of women in politics , where else would she have gone to.
Nemesis today is catching up with the Senate President who has been allegedly flown to London for a serious medical attention. Why did he leave the Nigerian hospital and travelled abroad for medical attention? Even if he fell sick while in another country, the best thing to do would have been for him to have been flown back to Nigeria for treatment.
Can every discerning heart now see clearly that those blaming Senator Natasha, including the Nigerian Senate, even to the extent of name calling her “a content creator” have been guilty of the same alleged offence committed by her?
Those in power should know that power is transient, even life itself is ephemeral , as no one lives for ever. Therefore let’s all be careful in whatever we do to our fellow human beings .
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
