By Yisa Usman MSc, FCA, FCTI
The recent allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan ignited a significant political and social debate in Nigeria. This development not only exposes the difficulty of addressing sexual harassment within political institutions but also raises concerns about gender representation and the mechanisms of accountability in governance.
As a Nigerian, an advocate for fairness, and a constituent of the senatorial district represented by Akpoti-Uduaghan, I find the unfolding events deeply troubling. Last July, Akpabio made a rare public apology after rebuking Akpoti-Uduaghan on the Senate floor, likening her actions to a nightclub scene. It is concerning that, in recent weeks, their clash has escalated, culminating in serious accusations of sexual misconduct against the Senate President. During an interview on Arise TV, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that Akpabio had made inappropriate advances toward her, suggesting that a motion she was pushing could only be considered if she “took care” of him. She also recounted an incident where he allegedly held her hand and implied they should spend private time together. Senator Akpabio has firmly denied these accusations.
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Meanwhile, the Senate ethics committee dismissed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition on procedural grounds and imposed a six-month suspension on her for what was described as “unruly and disruptive” behaviour, a decision many Nigerians view as an attempt to silence her and deter future accusations of misconduct within the legislature.
Sexual harassment laws worldwide recognize the inherent power imbalance in workplace and political environments. The United Nations defines sexual harassment as any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with an individual’s dignity or creates a hostile environment. Institutions such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) and national legislative bodies have established policies that not only protect victims but also ensure due process for the accused.
From reported cases, the weaponization of sexual harassment in public setups, appears to be sustained. In the United States for instance, there have been several instances where innocent citizens were jailed for years based on false accusations, only for the accusers to later confess to fabricating their claims. This underscores the need for caution in handling such sensitive matters. Hasty decisions and conclusions should never be made on such allegations. The principle of “innocent until proven guilty” must always be respected to prevent irreparable damage to reputations and careers.
While it is crucial to ensure that victims of sexual harassment are heard and protected, false accusations carry serious consequences. Wrongful allegations can damage reputations irreversibly, undermine genuine cases, and weaken public trust in legitimate claims. This is why due process is essential. Any accusation should be subject to thorough investigation to establish the truth beyond reasonable doubt. Just as legitimate claims must be addressed with urgency, individuals accused falsely must be given an opportunity to clear their names without prejudice.
Another troubling aspect of this case is how swiftly many senators rallied around the Senate President, passing a vote of confidence in his leadership. This action effectively declared the accuser guilty before she even had the chance to be heard. In a democratic system, it is imperative that accusations of such gravity are treated with neutrality until all facts are established. Blind allegiance and political expediency should never override the need for justice and fair hearing.
The principle of sub judice was also blatantly ignored when the Senate ethics committee proceeded with deliberations on the matter despite an existing court injunction. This raises concerns about the integrity of the process and whether due legal procedures are being followed. When legislative bodies disregard court rulings, it sets a dangerous precedent and erodes public confidence in democratic institutions.
The impact of this controversy on Nigeria’s governance system cannot be ignored. The handling of such sensitive allegations has far-reaching consequences on public trust, institutional credibility, and democratic accountability. A governance structure that appears to shield individuals from scrutiny rather than ensuring transparency risks weakening the very foundations of democracy. The legislature, as the representative body of the people, must exemplify fairness, adherence to due process, and commitment to ethical leadership. If governance institutions are perceived as biased or dismissive of serious allegations, citizens will lose faith in their ability to serve justice and uphold the rule of law.
This incident also provides key lessons for political and workplace dynamics. It highlights the urgent need for clear, well-defined procedures in handling harassment allegations, particularly in male-dominated environments like the Nigerian Senate. Workplaces must create safe spaces for reporting misconduct while also ensuring that allegations are properly vetted before conclusions are drawn. Additionally, organizations must be wary of political motivations in harassment claims, ensuring that investigations are not tainted by external influences or personal vendettas.
As an indigene of the senatorial district affected by this crisis, I am concerned about the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan. Her absence from the Senate for six months means that my district will lack effective representation on critical legislative matters. Furthermore, Nigeria already has a poor record on women’s political participation. With only four women in the 109-member Senate, her suspension sets a dangerous precedent and reinforces systemic barriers against female politicians.
To prevent such crises in the future, Nigeria’s legislative system must establish a transparent and independent mechanism for investigating sexual harassment claims. The Senate President should step aside while an impartial investigation is conducted. Furthermore, clear policies should be enforced to handle complaints in a way that protects both accusers and the accused from undue political influence.
Reflecting on my experience as the head of the Kogi State Office of a federal government agency in 2018, I encountered a situation that tested my principles and resolve. Shortly after assuming office, I made it a priority to address the entrenched corrupt practices that had plagued the institution for years. This resolve, however, did not sit well with those who benefited from the status quo.
In retaliation, a group of individuals orchestrated a smear campaign against me, fabricating allegations of misconduct, including claims of sexual harassment. Knowing fully well that I was innocent and that these accusations were merely a desperate attempt to discredit my leadership, I refused to be intimidated. Despite the reluctance of my CEO to intervene or properly address the issue, I took the initiative to report the matter to the appropriate law enforcement agencies, including the State Police Command and the Department of State Services (DSS).
I was subjected to intense scrutiny, but I remained steadfast, confident that the truth would prevail. The investigation conducted by the authorities ultimately exonerated me, reaffirming my integrity and strengthening my resolve to uphold ethical leadership. The ordeal, though harrowing, reinforced my belief in due process and the necessity of allowing the legal system to determine guilt or innocence rather than public sentiment or political expediency.
A similar approach by the Senate President would not only help clear his name if he is truly innocent but would also reinforce public trust in the institution he leads. When those in positions of authority submit themselves to transparent investigation rather than relying on political maneuvering, it strengthens democracy and reassures citizens that justice is truly impartial.
The controversy surrounding these allegations is a defining moment for Nigeria’s legislative system. The response to such issues will determine whether the country is truly committed to justice, gender equality, and institutional integrity. Addressing sexual harassment must be done with fairness and objectivity, ensuring that both victims and the accused receive the justice they deserve.
Yisa Usman is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria. He is a doctoral candidate of Corporate Governance and writes from Abuja. Email: topusman@gmail.com; 08037050981.
