The National Assembly was a scene of chaos on Wednesday as supporters of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and those backing Senate President Godswill Akpabio staged opposing protests over allegations of sexual harassment leveled against the Senate leader.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, had accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her during a visit to his residence in December 2023 and again while she sought clarification on her Ajaokuta Steel motion.
The senator had also previously clashed with Akpabio over her seating arrangement in the chamber, alleging deliberate isolation.
Her supporters, who gathered near the Mopol gate of the National Assembly complex, carried placards with inscriptions such as “Akpabio must go” and “We stand with Senator Natasha.”
Members of civil society groups joined the demonstration, insisting on a thorough investigation into the senator’s claims.
However, a rival group of demonstrators backing Akpabio staged a counter-protest, accusing Akpoti-Uduaghan of blackmail.
They carried banners with messages such as “We say no to Natasha’s serial blackmailing” and “Akpabio treated Natasha as a daughter and friend.”
Tension escalated as security operatives, including some in plain clothes, intervened to disperse Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters with tear gas.
The protesters, who had begun gathering as early as 9 a.m., were forced to retreat but later regrouped at a nearby location to continue their demonstration.
As the protests intensified, Akpoti-Uduaghan herself arrived at the scene, drawing loud cheers from her supporters, further fueling the standoff between the rival groups.
The development has deepened the rift within the Senate, raising concerns over how the upper legislative chamber will manage the fallout from the allegations.
Meanwhile, neither Akpabio nor his office has officially responded to the latest round of protests.
