Agboje Chuks
The Nigerian Senate and the public are engaged in a heated debate following Senator Natasha Akpoki-Uduaghan’s public allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
This has elicited diverse opinions, reflecting the complexity of the situation.
Senator Akpoki-Uduaghan, who is married to High Chief Emma Uduaghan, has drawn criticism from figures like Comrade Darlington Okonma, Coordinator of Delta Decides and the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ika Chapter.
Okonma has strongly condemned Senator Akpoki-Uduaghan’s actions, labeling her as a “Monumental Disgrace” to Nigerian women and the institution of marriage.
He emphasized the cultural significance of marital hierarchy in Africa, where the husband is traditionally seen as the head of the family.
According to Okonma, public pronouncements, particularly those aired on national television, should have been made with the husband’s approval just as he argued that Senator Akpoki-Uduaghan’s revelation implied a lack of spousal consent, which he views as a breach of marital protocol.
He further expressed concern that Senator Akpoki-Uduaghan’s conduct has damaged the reputation of the Senate Presidency, stating that it is an institution and not a mere personal role.
He emphasized, “The office of the Senate President is not just Akpabio; it represents the third-highest office in Nigeria. Therefore, undermining this office indirectly undermines the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” He added
