Former Minister of Education and 2019 presidential candidate, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has strongly criticized the Nigerian Senate for allegedly blocking an independent investigation into a sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Ezekwesili’s remarks follow an exposé by The Economist, which highlighted the hostile and discriminatory environment women face in Nigerian politics. The international publication reported that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim that has since sparked controversy within the Senate.
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Taking to social media, Ezekwesili condemned the lawmakers for what she described as an attempt to shield Akpabio from accountability, labeling the Senate a “bunch of nation-destroyers.” She criticized the refusal to conduct a transparent and independent investigation, instead accusing lawmakers of orchestrating a smear campaign against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Here’s @TheEconomist in yet another post on the shame brought upon Nigeria and Nigerians by @Senator_Akpabio and @NGRSenate,” Ezekwesili wrote. “Their brazen refusal to allow an open and transparent public hearing by a specially constituted committee is disgraceful.”
Ezekwesili also condemned the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, which recommended a six-month suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan. She described the decision as unconstitutional, arguing that rather than addressing the senator’s allegations, the lawmakers had resorted to political retaliation.
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“Rather than reverse that illegality and focus on her petition for sexual harassment, the Senate and its leadership have instead embarked on a smear campaign against Senator @NatashaAkpoti,” she stated.
Ezekwesili further alleged that the Senate was attempting to orchestrate a recall of Akpoti-Uduaghan by bribing her constituents in Kogi Central. However, she claimed that the move had been met with resistance.
“They are conspiring to execute a sham recall by bribing her constituents, who thankfully have largely rejected their offer of filthy lucre,” she said.
Warning that the Senate’s actions pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy, Ezekwesili urged citizens to resist what she described as legislative impunity.
“What a bunch of nation-destroyers we have as ‘Lawmakers.’ They behave with impunity because they have taken a chokehold on our democracy,” she said. “It is time for all reasonable citizens to stand up before they completely destroy whatever is left of Nigeria.”
Her statement adds to the mounting pressure on the National Assembly, as calls for transparency and justice in the handling of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations continue to grow.
