Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has issued a sarcastic “apology” to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, following her allegations of sexual harassment. In a sharply worded letter, she mockingly expressed regret for what she described as the “grievous crime” of standing up for her dignity. Her statement suggested that, under Akpabio’s leadership, loyalty and compliance are valued more than competence in the Senate.
The controversy dates back to December 2023, when Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her. Earlier this year, the Senate’s Ethics Committee dismissed her petition on a technicality, arguing that she had personally signed the complaint. In a move that drew widespread criticism, the Senate also suspended her for six months over allegations of misconduct.
Rather than offering the formal apology reportedly demanded by the Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan chose to take her case to the international stage, including filing complaints with the United Nations. Her satirical letter is seen as a deliberate act of defiance against what she calls a system that punishes women for speaking out.
Akpabio has consistently denied the allegations, insisting he did not intend any disrespect toward female lawmakers. Still, the fallout from the case has reignited debates about harassment, abuse of power, and the treatment of women in Nigerian politics.
