Suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Sunday issued a satirical apology to Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the sexual harassment allegation she levelled against him.
The apology came in the form of a biting letter released while Akpabio was currently in Rome for the funeral of the late Pope Francis.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate on March 6 after a heated clash with its leadership over a new seating arrangement, which she claimed was aimed at undermining her.
Tensions escalated when she accused Akpabio on national television of punishing her for allegedly rejecting his sexual advances.
At the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting at the United Nations in New York, Akpoti-Uduaghan also called for international intervention, citing the withdrawal of her security aides, suspension of her salary, and a six-month ban from the National Assembly.
Following court proceedings, both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio were ordered not to speak to the press pending the outcome of their case.
However, in a fresh twist, the senator on Instagram on Sunday, released an “Apology Letter” laced with sarcasm.
She wrote, “Dear Distinguished Senate President Godswill Akpabio, it is with the deepest sarcasm and utmost theatrical regret that I tender this apology for the grievous crime of possessing dignity and self-respect in your most exalted presence. I have reflected extensively on my unforgivable failure to recognise that legislative success in certain quarters is apparently not earned through merit, but through the ancient art of compliance — of the very personal kind.”
She continued, “How remiss of me not to understand that my refusal to indulge your ‘requests’ was not merely a personal choice, but a constitutional violation of the unwritten laws of certain men’s entitlement. Truly, I must apologise for prioritising competence over capitulation, vision over vanity, and the people’s mandate over private dinners behind closed doors.”
“Please find it in your magnanimous heart — somewhere buried deep beneath layers of entitlement — to forgive this stubborn woman who mistakenly believed that her seat in the Senate was earned through elections, not erections. I remain yours in eternal resistance, Senator Natasha H Akpoti-Uduaghan — Unafraid, Unbought, and Unbroken,” she added.
After the 45-year-old’s suspension, the Senate imposed additional sanctions, including the withdrawal of her security aides, the the closure of her National Assembly office and a ban on presenting herself as a senator at home or abroad. Her salary and allowances were also suspended.
Senate leadership had hinted that her suspension could be reviewed if she tendered a written apology.
Describing her suspension as unlawful, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the Senate of attempting to silence her for speaking out against misconduct.
Meanwhile, IPU President Tulia Ackson said the global body would take necessary steps after giving the Nigerian Senate an opportunity to explain its side.
Kafilat Ogbara, chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, also held a press briefing at the IPU event, urging the National Assembly to ensure a transparent investigation.
Ogbara, citing a letter from Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, stressed that Natasha’s suspension stemmed from alleged misconduct during plenary sessions, not the sexual harassment allegations.
Since then, the IPU has yet to release a public statement, and Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension remains in effect.
