Chaos erupts in Abuja as pro-Natasha Protesters, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan protesters demand Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s resignation over sexual harassment allegations. Police disperse demonstrators with tear gas.
Protesters loyal to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Pro-Natasha Protesters) stormed the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday, demanding the immediate resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The demonstrators, mostly youths and civil society members, accused Akpabio of abusing his power and called for justice over the sexual harassment allegations leveled against him by Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Chanting slogans and carrying placards, the pro-Natasha protesters insisted that Akpabio had lost the moral right to lead the Senate and should step down immediately. They also demanded that Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to carry out her duties without intimidation, following weeks of political tension between the two lawmakers.
Pro Natasha Protesters Clashes with Nigerian Police Force
However, the peaceful demonstration was short-lived as security operatives moved in to disperse the crowd. Officers of the Nigeria Police Force fired tear gas into the group, forcing many to flee. Some protesters were seen coughing and struggling to regain their composure as they scattered in different directions. The police insisted their actions were necessary to prevent any disruption of legislative activities and to maintain order around the National Assembly complex.
Despite the police crackdown, the protesters refused to back down completely. Many of them regrouped at Unity Fountain, a known gathering point for protests in Abuja, where they continued to express their demands. They vowed not to stop until Akpabio steps aside or faces an independent investigation into the allegations against him.
The conflict between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio has been brewing for weeks. It first became public on February 20, when the two clashed over seating arrangements on the Senate floor. Akpoti-Uduaghan later accused Akpabio of harassment and claimed he was trying to undermine her authority as an elected senator. The situation escalated further last Friday when she openly accused him of sexual harassment, alleging that he had made unwanted advances towards her in the past.
The allegations have sparked nationwide reactions, with many Nigerians divided over the issue. While some believe Akpoti-Uduaghan is being victimized for standing up to Akpabio, others argue that the claims should be thoroughly investigated before any action is taken. Akpabio, on his part, has denied the accusations, calling them politically motivated and aimed at damaging his reputation.
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