Natasha’s Gourmet can of worms: Now available in the Senate Cafeteria!

Nigeria, a country that thrives on political theatrics, witnessed yet another blockbuster moment as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan popped open a premium can of worms, much to the horror of her distinguished colleagues. It was a delicacy that no one had ordered, yet everyone was forced to take a bite.

The drama began when the “Princess of the Senate,” as the Senate President often calls her, accused him of being part of Nigeria’s long-standing tradition of ‘Sexual harassment’.

This revelation has brought shock to many as others have gone on various fact-finding mission. The show began two weeks ago between her and the Senate President over seating arrangement in the chamber. But as the issues kept dragging, it became obvious to observers that there is more to the seating position issue than meets the eye.

Houdini-Level Disappearance Act

It takes true mastery to keep political escapades under wraps, especially from one’s spouse, but Natasha proved she was up to the task.
She explained that she managed to hide the Senate President’s alleged advances from her husband, a feat requiring skillful navigation.

The Senator’s claims sent shockwaves through the Red Chamber, where the preferred method of conflict resolution is often a handshake followed by a closed-door session where everyone leaves mysteriously richer.

But Natasha wasn’t playing by the usual script. Instead, she went full throttle, dropping bombshells that left her colleagues clutching their agbadas in horror.

Sexual Harassment Allegations

Natasha alleged that her troubles with the Senate President began on December 8, 2023, a day before both their birthdays. “At first, we were at Ikot Ekpene, in his house, then we moved to his house in Uyo around 8pm,” she recounted.

During a house tour, she claimed Akpabio held her hand and said, “Now that you’re a senator, I’m going to create a time for us to come spend quality moments here. You will enjoy it.”

She pulled her hand away, shocked by the remark. Her husband, standing nearby, seemed to sense something was amiss.

Later that night, as they left for their hotel, her husband pressed her for details. “He asked me, ‘Natasha, what did the Senate President whisper to you?’” She debated whether to disclose the remark or downplay it, perhaps, considering the close ties between her husband and Akpabio.

Legislative Power Play

Natasha further alleged that her refusal to entertain Akpabio’s advances led to legislative retaliation. A critical motion on Ajaokuta Steel, which she had sought to move, was stalled repeatedly on the Senate floor.

“Each time it was listed, the Senate President would say, ‘Oh, Senator Natasha, we can’t take this motion because the mood of the Senate does not accommodate it,’” she said.

She confronted him in his office, pleading for the motion to be heard. According to her, Akpabio responded, “Natasha, I’m the Chief Presiding Officer of the Senate. You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me and make me happy.” She claimed she dismissed his suggestion, only for him to say, “Well, the ball is in your court.”

London Meeting and the IPU Conference

Following that exchange, Natasha’s husband reportedly met with Akpabio in London to plead on her behalf. Despite these efforts, the motion was only taken when Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau presided in Akpabio’s absence.

Three months after the Uyo ordeal and a month after the office incident, Natasha and Akpabio attended the Inter-Parliamentary Union conference together, still managing to smile for selfies. The irony was not lost on observers.

Read also: Why Senate can’t probe Akpabio over Natasha Akpoti’s allegation – Senate President’s aide

Allegations of Diversion of Funds in NASS

Natasha further alleged that lawmakers and civil servants in the National Assembly routinely divert committee funds meant for operational expenses into personal accounts.

“When I resumed as chair, the clerk approached me and said the first month’s payment had come in. When I inquired about its purpose, she explained that it was for logistics, mail dispatches, and refreshments. But since we had not held any meetings, I suggested the money remain in the account,” she said.

The clerk insisted that the money was traditionally shared among committee members. Natasha, however, declined, stating that taxpayers’ money should not be used for personal enrichment. “I was told this is the norm in all committees, but I refused to partake in it,” she added.

Nightclub Threat and Senate Drama

Natasha also claimed that Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Akpabio threatened her the night before his public apology in the chamber.

According to her, Akpabio warned he would “take down any young Nigerian who harassed him” during the #Endbadgovernance protests.

Kingibe: The Informant?

In a surprising twist, Natasha alleged that fellow senator, Ireti Kingibe had been secretly informing her husband about Akpabio’s advances.

Natasha, who also filed an over N100billion lawsuit against Akpabio and his aid for defamation and sexualising her, noted that Kingibe had called her on Monday to withdraw the lawsuit, but she was confronted by Mr. Uduaghan who said she is trying to shut her wife down.

Afterall, she’s been the one informing him, “That the Senate President has been hitting on his wife.”

In a flagrant denial, Kingibe also appeared on the live telecast to deny the “Informant role pinned on her by Natasha.”

Having denied the role, Kingibe took that of a mother, she said, “I’m also here as the Senate Chairperson for Women Affairs. The other premise is that since there are only four women, all four of us have been particularly close. Senator Natasha and I have been also even closer because I take her as my daughter as I’m old enough to be her mother.

“Yes, the Senate is not gender-friendly. But it has been improving, much better than when we first entered the Senate, I must say. Natasha didn’t tell me of any case of sexual harassment from the Senate President and I didn’t tell her husband anything like that.”

Akpabio’s History of Allegations

Natasha is not the first to accuse Akpabio of sexual misconduct.

Nearly five years ago, while serving as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, former NDDC Acting MD, Joy Nunieh accused him of sexual harassment.

Coincidentally, she made the claims on the same TV station Natasha used. “I slapped him because of his plan B. Since he couldn’t get me to take money, he thought he could come up on me,” Nunieh said.

Akpabio denied the allegations at the time, claiming Nunieh had “temperament issues” and should seek medical attention.

In another instance, the internet was agog with names of women who are concubines or should we say “side-chicks” as it is now called.

According to a faceless investigate blog, the list which had about hundred women on it, most of them, with names of popular celebrity and social media influencers. Again, Akpabio debunked them all as lies.

Ekaette Akpabio Defends Her Husband

Wife of the Senate President, Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, dismissed Natasha’s allegations, stating they were fabrications.

She emphasized that their families had a cordial relationship before Natasha’s marriage and accused her of tarnishing her husband’s reputation.

In the Coming Days…

While the dust is yet to settle, one thing is certain—Natasha’s can of worms has been opened, and Nigeria, as always, is watching with popcorn in hand. Will the Senate President respond? Will Natasha release another episode? Will she be suspended like Abdul Ningi, Joseph Waku, Arthur Nzeribe, Ali Ndume, Ovie Omo-Agege, and Femi Okurounmu?

Will Nigerian politicians ever stop entertaining us?