Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan stormed the National Assembly on Wednesday, amid protests by her supporters calling for Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s resignation, as well as a counter-protest by pro-Akpabio activists.
The senator for Kogi Central recently accused Akpabio of sexually abusing her during a visit to his home in December 2023 and again when she inquired about her Ajaokuta Steel motion.
She had previously argued with the Senate President over her sitting arrangement, claiming that she was purposefully separated from the other senators.
As Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the protest scene near the Mopol gate, her supporters erupted in cheers, waving placards with messages such as “Akpabio must go” and “We stand with Senator Natasha.” The protesters, including members of civil society groups, insisted on a thorough investigation into her allegations.
Meanwhile, a rival group of pro-Akpabio demonstrators staged a counter-protest, holding banners with inscriptions like “We say no to Natasha’s serial blackmailing” and “Akpabio treated Natasha as a daughter and friend.”
Earlier, security personnel, some not in uniform, had dispersed the initial wave of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters with tear gas at the National Assembly Arcade, opposite Eagle Square.
The protesters, who had begun gathering around 9 a.m., were forced to retreat but later regrouped at a nearby location to continue their demonstration.
