Pictures: Pro Natasha, Akpabio supporters protest at National Assembly

The National Assembly was engulfed in heightened tensions on Wednesday as supporters of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with those backing Senate President Godswill Akpabio amid the ongoing crisis in the Senate over sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was met with a rousing reception from her supporters upon her arrival at the National Assembly. Her supporters have been actively calling for Akpabio’s resignation following her accusations of sexual harassment against him.

The female senator alleged that Akpabio made inappropriate advances towards her at his residence in December 2023.

Read also: Court stops Senate from probing Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

As Akpoti-Uduaghan approached the protest site near the MOPOL gate, her supporters erupted in cheers, holding placards with inscriptions such as, “Akpabio must go, “We stand with Senator Natasha”

Many among the demonstrators were members of civil society organizations, demanding a full investigation into the Senator’s allegations against Akpabio.

However, in a dramatic turn of events, a rival group of pro-Akpabio supporters staged a counter-protest, rejecting Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims. Their banners carried messages such as, “We say no to Natasha’s serial blackmailing” and “Akpabio treated Natasha as a daughter and friend”

Read also: Natasha Akpoti absent as Senate panel begins hearing on misconduct case

Despite the initial dispersal, the protesters regrouped at a nearby location and continued their demonstration, vowing not to relent until their demands were met.

During the Wednesday plenary, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan presented her petition against Akpabio. She rose, read it aloud, and formally submitted it, which Akpabio accepted.

However, a heated session ensued when Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Munguno, citing Order 40(4), argued that Senate rules must be strictly adhered to, warning that any deviation could lead to “chaos and anarchy.”

Read also: I never sexually harassed Natasha- Akpabio

He insisted that the Senate must “stamp its feet in defense of its rules,” emphasizing that no matter pending before a court of law should be deliberated upon by the Senate, as it would be deemed sub judice.

Munguno further pointed out that Senate rules prohibit any senator from presenting a petition personally signed by themselves, stating, “Senator Natasha had signed her own petition, rendering it procedurally invalid.”

However, Senator Natasha Akpoti pushed back, arguing that her case before the court was not related to sexual harassment but rather to malicious comments about her dressing. Despite being asked to halt, she invoked Order 10, which permits any senator to rise and speak at any time, insisting that her petition should be accepted and treated.

In an attempt to restore order, former Senate Leader Abdullahi Adamu argued that since Senate President Akpabio had already ruled on the matter, the petition should proceed to the Ethics Committee for review. He said, “When the issue gets to the committee, the chairman will uphold all the rules.”