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By Yetunde Asika
The ongoing situation involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is more than just a political dispute or quarrel over the “frivolities” of where to sit. It is a stark reflection of systemic power imbalances, institutional accountability, and the gender challenges women in governance continue to face.
At its core, this ongoing saga raises legal and constitutional concerns. The procedural actions taken against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan warrant scrutiny under the principles of fair hearing and due process. Any attempt to silence an elected representative through procedural maneuvering or informal exclusion threatens the integrity of democratic institutions and the rights of all the many voters who entrusted her with their mandate.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelWhile on the other side, the gendered nature of the attacks against her cannot be ignored. The comments made by a legislative aide, which reduced her credibility to her appearance and attire, are not just personal insults—they reflect a broader pattern of institutional sexism. Women in leadership, particularly in traditionally male-dominated spaces, are often subjected to double standards that question their legitimacy, competence, and right to assert power.
So much so that now we are hearing that women should be subjected to mental stability tests before being given any position of power or authority— in order to be governor, counsellor or senator to quote Former Member Cross River State House of Assembly, Cletus Obun correctly.
READ ALSO: Natasha-Akpabio: Is It Really A Gender Clash?
We are also hearing that the senate is not for young people. But what exactly is young anyway? The senator is 45 years old—middle aged. All sorts of issues arising to discredit her.
Equally troubling is the reaction from some female voices in this discourse. It is very disappointing that rather than challenging the systemic barriers at play, some have reinforced narratives that seek to delegitimise Akpoti-Uduaghan’s stance. This underscores the deep-rooted nature of patriarchal structures, where even those who should advocate equity sometimes find themselves upholding the very barriers that hinder progress.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has made allegations of sexual assault and should have the full right to present her case in whatever manner she deems appropriate. Survivors must be allowed to navigate their experiences and seek justice on their own terms, without external pressure dictating how they should process their trauma. Any suggestion to the contrary is not only inappropriate but deeply troubling, as it undermines both personal agency and the fundamental principles of justice.
READ ALSO: Oby Ezekwesili Berates Nigerian Senate Over Natasha’s Suspension
The silver lining in all this is that this moment presents an opportunity for reflection. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will not be made a scapegoat to put women in their places and reinforce outdated power dynamics—instead, she has become a beacon that has forced critical questions: Will Nigeria’s institutions uphold fairness, transparency, and accountability? Or will they allow entrenched power structures to dictate who gets to have a voice?
The outcome of this “saga” will set a precedent—not just for one senator, or for women in politics who dare to challenge the status quo, but also for all the average Joe Bloggs/Jane does in our Country.
