By Abiodun KOMOLAFE

The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, stemming from her allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of office against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, reveals a deeper issue within Nigeria’s political system. This incident, among others, raises questions about Nigeria’s claim to being a republic, as it exhibits characteristics of a feudal system, where social and economic relationships are defined by patron-client attachments.

In the case of the Senate President, a lot has been revealed about the misogynistic nature of much of the Nigerian state. This issue has persisted for more than half a century, resulting in numerous allegations of victimization in educational institutions and workplaces. With the exception of a few cases, not much has been done to counteract this.

Although much of the Akpabio/Akpoti-Uduaghan matter is still hazy, it is deeply disturbing that the matter arose in the first place, Regardless of the outcome, the key issues are not about to go away in a hurry. To ensure transparency, there ought of course to be a full and open inquiry, broadcast live and publicly, allowing the public to form their own opinions.

Unfortunately, such an inquiry is not likely to occur!

In the words of Paul Johnson, “We live in a world in which politics has become a form of psychotherapy.” Tragically, the incident also reveals the lack of a clear ideological anchor underpinning our politics. Conventions, mores, and norms should dictate parliamentary etiquette, such as whether members are sitting or standing.

Meanwhile, parliamentary time is scarce anywhere in the world at any time, making it deeply disturbing that Nigeria, faced with multifaceted challenges, is devoting so much parliamentary space to this needless controversy. No parliament has enough time, even if the parliamentarians are sitting at odd hours. So, why waste so much time on trivial matters? In sane climes, a more robust political structure would have put together countervailing mechanisms which would have prevented this from becoming an imbroglio.

Underneath it all, the issue of misogyny must be addressed immediately. With only 4 female senators out of 109, Nigeria is underutilizing the talents of its female population, which makes up half of the country. This underrepresentation is alarming, especially considering the scarcity of talent. Since women make up half of the population, there is something to be very worried about. Even though it is still inadequate, women are making greater strides in the corporate world and really proving their mettle.

Notable figures like Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment and Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of State for Finance, are demonstrating exceptional ability in handling their portfolios. They are truly excelling in their roles, setting a high standard for others to follow. Unfortunately, the legislative sphere tells a different story. The lack of female representation in federal, state and local governments is concerning, and urgent action is necessary to address this imbalance.

There is a lot to be done to secure a more gender-based society. One strategy is to emulate legislatures that have addressed tax and inheritance issues that discriminate against women. Political parties must commit to promoting female entrants into male-dominated assemblies. To address the gender imbalance in Nigeria's legislatures, we have to explore different models from other countries, such as the all-female list in some constituencies in places like the United Kingdom which has over time beefed up female representation in the legislatures. Female legislators, who have overcome significant obstacles to reach their positions, must also up the ante. They must intensify their efforts! This is the only way to fight back against the structural imbalance which discriminates against inclusivity in society.

The Nigerian government can learn from other countries that have successfully implemented measures to increase women's representation in politics. For instance, Rwanda has achieved 61% female representation in parliament, while Sweden has implemented policies to promote gender equality in decision-making processes.

A key legislation already done by the Scandinavian countries is to ensure the provision of crèche services in all organizations in the public and private sectors employing more than 50 people in the same location. This should be mandatory anyway in the public sector. The private sector can also be given tax credits to offset the additional costs in its operations. By incentivizing childcare provisions, governments can boost productivity and promote gender balance in the workforce.

To address the emerging controversies surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan, it's essential to scrutinize the impacts of women in Nigeria's legislative landscape. Women must demonstrate their capabilities and compete for genuine political power, rather than relying on handouts.

Inspirational figures like Olufunmilayo Ransom Kuti, Dora Akunyili and Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala have shown that women can thrive in politics with maturity and dedication. To achieve more empowerment for women, this very huge female community must understand the game better and take the statements of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, about maturity seriously. For a long time, Tinubu has been a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, supporting bills that promote gender inclusion in governance.

Nigerian women must be willing to compete and take on leadership roles to effect change. As the First Lady emphasized, “Women constitute a vital part of our nation’s progress, yet their representation in governance remains limited”. So, it’s time for women to take center stage and demand their rightful place in Nigeria’s politics. For example, too many women grapple with the problem of returning to work after delivery. It is really disruptive, both to the individual and the employer, and definitely hampers the career prospects of women! This kind of initiative also creates its own economy in terms of providing employment for retired matrons and other medical personnel across the board to augment their pensions. It is a win-win situation all round!

Given the typically higher productivity of women, it’s time for the Nigerian legislature and supporters of women’s rights to know where the pressure points are and initiate conversations about their future, establishing a benchmark for other gender-based institutions to follow. Female legislators should be fixated on crafting and being at the forefront of legislations such as this. It will improve overall productivity and enhance the career prospects of women, thereby bridging the gender gap. As far as their powers can take them, it is time for our women to run!

A national conference of all the female legislators should be convened to work out a clear programme for female advancement as well as gender disparity. The main thrust will be, by closing the gender gap, the country will be using all its resources and in the process become, not just a more competitive society but also a fairer one. Ignoring half of the potential productivity of a nation does not make economic sense. Out of the present mindless diversion and immersion into trivial, Nigeria must take a new dispassionate look at the benefits of ending gender disparity which puts a break on the use of the nation’s talents.

As a final point, the controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan serves as an unembellished reminder of the need for integrity, transparency and accountability in Nigerian politics. As Tinubu rightly pointed out, the Senate “is an inside place and it’s a matured chamber. It’s a mature chamber, and it should be treated with respect.” To move forward, Nigeria must prioritize the empowerment of women, address gender disparity, and promote a culture of integrity. Only then can we build a more just and equitable society.

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

*KOMOLAFE wrote from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State, Nigeria (ijebujesa@yahoo.co.uk)

By Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice

The Confluence State is always in the news—a very good gesture. It presents us as a people who cannot be pushed aside or shoved off. We are locally ingrained with the DNA of stoicism, a “we no dey carry last” kind of built-up.

Sadly, we keep getting things mixed up. We are too hasty, doing things above board—a development that presents us as impulsive. We have seen how our young people behave on social media; for this reason, we come across as highly confrontational.

While these traits may come with certain strengths, they always put us at a disadvantage. Being too quick to talk and too fast to allege does not put us in a position of strength. Rather, it presents us as emotionally erratic. We had seen Dino Melaye exhibit this as a member of the Federal House of Representatives—how he went dangerously violent in his uproar with former Speaker Dimeji Bankole. Guess what? He was suspended from the House for a long time. As a senator, he wasn’t different; he publicly led a mob onslaught against former President Muhammadu Buhari when he came to the National Assembly to present the budget for that year.

Now, we have Senator Natasha Akpoti in a similar position. Whether she is right or wrong is no longer the issue but how she sits in history in this infamous scenario. Very intelligent, highly cosmopolitan, and influential, she failed to navigate the political terrain differently.

As a first-time senator, she came in highly influential and powerful. She could be anywhere and get anything she wanted in the Senate. How she slipped from this circle of influence is a tragedy of time.

She recklessly mismanaged her chance, power, and influence. She was destined to reign perpetually in reverence if she had acted more wisely. So revered was she that the Senate President called her “Princess of the Senate”—a title no woman had ever enjoyed since the beginning of democratic experience in Nigeria.

She had the Senate in her grip, she could travel locally and internationally on Senate functions. Natasha luxuriated in influence and privilege, and her colleagues, all 108 of them, respected and adored her. She was gifted with all the glitz that comes with power. Her destination to greatness was on course—then came the hubris of life. She missed the steps, and her fall came needlessly too early—a self-inflicted fall!

To be a Senator of Nigeria is a huge privilege. To sit among 108 distinguished personalities who have accomplished greatness in their pursuit of happiness is no small feat. Therefore, a mere change of seat wasn’t enough reason to allow her beautiful strides to be halted so early. She fell into the elites’ trap and, as it stands, she is badly bruised. She will lose more than she will gain; she will deny her people her quality representation—all these caused by unrestrained emotions!

She had the opportunity to halt this avoidable fall. She had many senior colleagues to run to for cover, but obstinately, she towed the emotional lane. You don’t fight the system from the outside; you win the system from the inside. Six months out of four years is a huge loss to her legislative expedition.

And to our Kogi elders, why are you always distant when things like this happen? A powerful peace-seeking delegation could have averted this. When your ward is embroiled in such a conundrum, it is your duty to provide a landing platform. We all watched in muted silence as the rains of naivety drenched Senator Natasha.

For Natasha and other young Kogi greats, it is not too late to look back at our trajectories and make amends where we seem to be emotionally deficient. Life is a learning curve, a continuous conundrum. We can always relearn the game that others are playing, which has sustained their strides. Unfortunately musing!

Abdullahi Haruspice, a public commentator writes from Lokoja.

By Prince Tony Ezeimo

The decision by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, on Wednesday, 5th March, 2025, to dismiss the sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and her subsequent suspension for six months has sparked significant debate. However, a closer examination of the legal and procedural context reveals that the Senate’s action is justified, particularly in light of the sub judice rule and the ongoing legal battle initiated by Senator Akpabio’s wife, Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, who has filed a defamation suit against Senator Natasha. Furthermore, despite a court order attempting to halt the Senate’s investigation, Senator Natasha’s eventual suspension by the upper chamber is an outcome anchored on both procedural and ethical considerations.

The Sub Judice Rule and Legal Implications

The sub judice rule is a legal principle that restricts public discussion or parliamentary proceedings on matters that are actively before a court of law. This rule is designed to prevent interference with judicial processes and ensure that court decisions are not prejudiced by external influences. In this case, Senator Natasha’s allegations of sexual harassment against Senator Akpabio have been countered by a defamation suit filed by Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, which is currently before a court. This legal action effectively places the matter under the jurisdiction of the judiciary, making it sub judice.

By dismissing Senator Natasha’s petition, on Wednesday, 5th March, 2025, the Senate adhered to the sub judice rule, demonstrating respect for the judiciary’s authourity and avoiding any actions that could be perceived as prejudicial to the ongoing court case. This decision aligns with the principle of separation of powers, ensuring that the legislative arm of government does not overstep its bounds by interfering in judicial matters.

The Defamation Suit and Its Impact

Mrs. Unoma Akpabio’s defamation suit against Senator Natasha adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The suit alleges that Senator Natasha’s accusations have caused significant harm to the reputation of Senator Akpabio and his family. This legal action underscores the seriousness of the allegations and counter-allegations, further justifying the Senate’s decision to step back and allow the courts to adjudicate the matter.

The defamation suit also raises questions about the credibility and motivations behind Senator Natasha’s allegations. If the court finds in favor of Mrs. Akpabio, it could undermine the legitimacy of Senator Natasha’s claims and potentially expose her to legal consequences. This legal backdrop reinforces the Senate’s position that the matter is best left to the judiciary to resolve.

Suspension of Senator Natasha

Despite a court ruling ordering the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions to halt its investigation into the matter, Senator Natasha’s suspension by the Senate is in no way out of order or unjustified. This is because the Senate operates under its own internal rules and ethical standards as contained in the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended), which are separate from judicial proceedings. The Senate has the authourity under its rules to discipline its members for actions that are deemed to violate its code of conduct or bring the institution into disrepute. Senator Natasha’s outburst last week Wednesday, during plenary on the floor, her subsequent public allegations, coupled with the ongoing legal battle, could be viewed as conduct unbecoming of a senator, particularly if her claims are eventually and ultimately discredited by the court.

In such a scenario, the Senate may invoke its disciplinary powers to suspend her, regardless of the court’s ruling on the investigation, as it eventually did today, Thursday, 6 March, 2025. Senator Natasha’s suspension is an outcome that highlights the delicate balance between parliamentary privilege and judicial authority, as well as the Senate’s commitment to maintaining its integrity and public trust.

As the legal battle unfolds, it is imperative for all parties to allow the courts to determine the truth, while the Senate focuses on its legislative duties and maintaining the integrity of the institution.

Ezeimo, a Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President, writes from Abuja.