Ezekwesili Slams Nigerian Senate Over S3xual Harassment Allegation Against Akpabio

Ezekwesili Slams Nigerian Senate Over S3xual Harassment Allegation Against Akpabio

Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has strongly criticized the Nigerian Senate for obstructing an investigation into s3xual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Ezekwesili condemned the Senate, calling them “nation-destroyers” and accused lawmakers of acting with impunity in their refusal to allow an independent investigation.

This criticism follows a report by The Economist, which highlighted the challenges faced by Nigerian women in politics, detailing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims against Akpabio. The publication noted that the s3xual harassment scandal exposes the harsh realities for women navigating Nigerian politics.

In her response, Ezekwesili expressed her outrage, stating that the Senate’s actions have brought shame upon Nigeria and its citizens. She pointed out their refusal to allow a transparent investigation into the allegations, instead launching a smear campaign against Akpoti-Uduaghan.

She further criticized the Senate’s handling of a prior incident involving Akpoti-Uduaghan, when she was referred to a biased committee following a heated dispute over seating arrangements. The committee’s recommendation of a six-month suspension and other punishments, deemed unconstitutional, was controversially approved by the Senate.

Ezekwesili emphasized that, rather than addressing the s3xual harassment allegations, the Senate and Senate President have chosen to discredit Akpoti-Uduaghan, even attempting to bribe her constituents in a failed effort to recall her.

Ezekwesili concluded with a call to action, urging all reasonable citizens to rise against the Senate’s actions before they completely undermine Nigeria’s democracy:

“What a bunch of nation-destroyers we have as lawmakers,” she declared. “They behave with impunity, and it is time for all of us to stand up against them before they destroy whatever is left of Nigeria.”