Is the Nigerian Senate Stifling Women’s Voices?

The Nigerian Senate is supposed to be a place of lawmaking, fairness, and justice. But when emotions take over and insults replace civil discourse, it raises serious concerns about the ethical standards of those in power.

During a recent Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions hearing, what should have been a formal inquiry degenerated into a shouting match between Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi and former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili.

The hearing was meant to address a petition filed by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended senator from Kogi Central, regarding sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. However, it quickly turned into a heated exchange when the petitioner’s representative, Zubairu Yakubu, challenged the committee’s ability to remain neutral.

“How can the chairman serve as a judge in a case where he has already publicly taken a position? What is the need for us to present our case when a verdict has already been given before hearing us?” Yakubu asked.

His remarks did not sit well with some lawmakers, who accused him of questioning the committee’s credibility. But the tension escalated further when Oby Ezekwesili, who was present alongside Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, insisted on being placed under oath as a witness.

“I asked to be put on oath as a witness. I am a citizen of Nigeria,” she stated firmly.

Rather than focusing on the petition at hand, Senator Nwaebonyi lashed out at Ezekwesili, calling her a “fool” and declaring, “You’re an insult to womanhood. People like you cannot be here.” In response, Ezekwesili fired back, calling him a “hooligan,” further escalating the verbal altercation.

This dramatic exchange momentarily derailed the hearing, shifting attention from the serious allegations to a display of power struggles and personal attacks.

A Review of What Happened with the Senate Committee Hearing

Beyond the insults, the bigger issue lies in how the Senate handled the hearing. Instead of addressing the petition, the session became a battleground of dominance and intimidation. The Senate was expected to uphold due process, but their approach led to further skepticism about their ability to deliver justice.

Senator Patrick Ndubueze, in an attempt to restore order, reminded his colleagues that they were in a formal setting:

“We should stop behaving like people in the marketplace. This is the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is sad to hear you (petitioner) say you don’t have confidence in the Senate. What it means is that not everybody here is trustworthy.”

Despite this appeal for composure, the hearing was eventually adjourned indefinitely. The reason? The absence of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to defend her allegation, as well as the ongoing legal battle involving Akpabio’s wife and Akpoti-Uduaghan.

After the hearing, Ezekwesili did not hold back in her criticism of the Senate’s conduct. Speaking to journalists, she described the committee’s handling of the case as a direct violation of the Nigerian Constitution and legal framework.

“The Nigerian Senate keeps telling citizens they are subject to Senate rules, even when those rules violate the Constitution. This is unacceptable in a democracy,” she stated.

She further argued that the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan was carried out without proper regard for constitutional provisions.

“The Senate placed its own rules above the laws of the land. Now, with this petitioner, they have done the same thing– using procedural loopholes to avoid addressing critical issues,” she added.

Will Senator Natasha Get Justice for the Sexual Harassment Allegation?

With the Senate hearing adjourned indefinitely and tensions rising within the committee, many are now wondering: Will Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan ever get justice?

Her case has already been overshadowed by power plays, ethical concerns, and an apparent lack of willingness from the Senate to address the allegations fairly.

Ezekwesili issued a warning about the dangerous precedent being set by the Senate’s handling of disciplinary actions and petitions:

“If a petitioner says they do not believe the Senate committee will give them a fair hearing due to clear bias, it is only just that an independent body reviews the matter.”

She also raised concerns about the long-term effects of allowing procedural loopholes to override constitutional rights, stating:

“The Senate must respect the Constitution. Otherwise, we risk turning our democracy into a system where powerful individuals manipulate processes to silence opposition and suppress justice.”

The Senate’s ethics and decorum are now under serious scrutiny. Instead of focusing on justice for Akpoti-Uduaghan, the session became a power struggle, further fueling the perception that lawmakers prioritize political interests over fairness.