Obiageli Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education, criticized the Nigerian Senate for blocking an investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. She condemned the lawmakers as destructive to the nation, accusing them of acting with impunity.
Ezekwesili’s comments come in the wake of a report by The Economist highlighting the challenges faced by women in Nigerian politics, particularly referencing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusation against Akpabio. The report suggested that the scandal of sexual harassment exemplifies the difficulties that women in Nigerian politics often endure.
In response, Ezekwesili expressed shame over the Senate’s refusal to allow an impartial investigation, and criticized the Senate and its President for engaging in a smear campaign against Natasha.
Ezekwesili’s words: “Here’s @TheEconomist in yet another post on the shame brought upon Nigeria and Nigerians by @Senator_Akpabio @NGRSenate by their brazen refusal to provide an opportunity for an independent investigation and open/ transparent public hearing by a Specially Constituted Committee of the Nigerian Senate.
“No one wants another Kangaroo process of injustice like they did to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan @NatashaAkpoti with their so-called “Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions “investigation” when she was referred to that tainted committee following the heated argument between her and the Senate President over seating arrangements.
“The committee recommended a six-month suspension and other egregious punishment, which were in violation of the Constitution and yet were approved by the Senate.
“Rather than reverse that illegality and focus on her petition for sexual harassment, the Senate and Senate President have instead embarked on a smear campaign against Senator @NatashaAkpoti .
“They are currently conspiring to execute a sham Recall by bribing her constituents who thankfully have largely rejected their offer of filthy lucre.
“What a bunch of nation-destroyers we have as “Lawmakers”. They behave with impunity because have taken a chokehold on our democracy.
“Well, it is time for all reasonable Citizens to stand up to them and all the way before they totally destroy whatever is left of Nigeria.”
