A dramatic scene unfolded at the National Assembly on Wednesday as supporters of Kogi Central Senatorial District representative, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and those backing Senate President Godswill Akpabio clashed over allegations of sexual harassment leveled against the Senate President.
The protest, which started in the early hours of the day, saw a large number of demonstrators gathered outside the parliamentary complex, demanding justice and accountability.
Protesters Demand Akpabio’s Resignation
Supporters of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan stormed the entrance of the National Assembly, holding placards with bold inscriptions such as “Akpabio Must Go” and “We Stand with Senator Natasha”.
They accused the Senate President of sexually harassing their leader and called for a thorough investigation into the allegations.
As Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the protest site near the Mopol Gate, her supporters erupted in cheers, chanting in her favor and demanding Akpabio’s immediate resignation.
Several civil society groups also joined the protest, adding their voices to the call for justice.
One of the protesters, a member of a women’s rights group, stated:
“We are here to say no to sexual harassment and abuse of power. If this can happen to a senator, imagine what ordinary women go through in workplaces and politics. We demand justice for Senator Natasha!”
Pro-Akpabio Supporters Counter-Protest
However, shortly after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters took their stand, a rival group of demonstrators backing Senate President Akpabio arrived on the scene, staging a counter-protest.
They held banners with messages like “Apologize to the Senate President”, “We Say No to Natasha’s Serial Blackmail”, and “Akpabio Treated Natasha as a Daughter and Friend”.
The counter-protesters, operating under the umbrella of United Women for Good Governance, demanded that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan apologize to Akpabio, insisting that the allegations were false and aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
One of the Akpabio supporters argued:
“Senator Akpabio has been a father figure to many in politics. We won’t allow anyone to bring him down with baseless accusations. Natasha must apologize!”
Police Disperse Protesters with Tear Gas
The confrontation between the two opposing groups soon escalated, prompting the intervention of security operatives.
Police officers deployed at the National Assembly fired tear gas into the crowd to disperse the protesters.
Despite the police action, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters regrouped at Unity Fountain in Abuja, where they continued their demonstration, vowing to fight until justice was served.
What’s Next?
The clash at the National Assembly has further intensified the political tension surrounding the allegations against Senate President Akpabio.
Many Nigerians are now awaiting a response from the Senate leadership on whether a formal investigation will be launched into the claims made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Will Akpabio step down? Will there be a Senate probe into the allegations? Nigerians are watching closely.
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