Emmanuel OchayiThe recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has spotlighted a troubling paradox in Nigeria’s legislative process: the Senate’s capacity to impartially investigate its own members, especially its highest-ranking official. This incident raises critical questions about the integrity of self-regulation within powerful institutions and the pressing need for independent oversight mechanisms.
The Incident: Allegations and Immediate Fallout
On February 28, 2025, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly accused Senate President Akpabio of making unwanted sexual advances, alleging that her refusal led to subsequent victimisation within the Senate. She claimed that Akpabio’s actions included rejecting her motions and denying her opportunities to contribute during plenary sessions. Akpabio, a seasoned politician with a history of public service, including roles as Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, categorically denied these allegations, labelling them as “tissues of lies.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Senate’s response was swift and controversial. The Ethics Committee, tasked with investigating the matter, dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations on procedural grounds, subsequently recommending her suspension for six months. This decision effectively bars her from her legislative duties, including the loss of allowances and security privileges.
READ ALSO: Sexual Harassment: Senate Suspends Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan For Six Months
A Senate President Presiding Over His Own Case
A fundamental concern in this saga is the apparent conflict of interest inherent in the Senate’s handling of the case. Allowing Akpabio to preside over proceedings related to allegations against him undermines the principles of natural justice, particularly the rule against bias. This scenario is akin to a judge presiding over their own trial—a clear affront to impartiality.
The Senate’s standing orders and the Nigerian Constitution provide frameworks for legislative procedures, but they fall short in addressing situations where the presiding officer is the subject of serious allegations. This gap highlights a systemic flaw: the absence of mechanisms to ensure unbiased adjudication in cases involving high-ranking officials.
Reactions from Within and Beyond the Senate
The internal dynamics of the Senate further complicate the narrative. Notably, the chamber’s three other female senators did not publicly support Akpoti-Uduaghan; instead, they advocated for an amicable resolution. This lack of solidarity reflects the profound challenges women face in male-dominated political arenas, where speaking out can lead to isolation and retaliation.
External entities have also weighed in. The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) called for Akpabio to step down pending an independent investigation, emphasising the need for transparency and accountability. CNPP’s statement underscores a broader concern about the credibility of self-regulatory processes within the Senate.
The Imperative for Independent Oversight
This incident underscores a critical deficiency in Nigeria’s legislative framework: the lack of independent oversight bodies empowered to investigate and adjudicate allegations against high-ranking officials. Reliance on internal committees, such as the Senate’s Ethics Committee, is fraught with potential biases, especially when the committee members are colleagues or subordinates of the accused.
Establishing an independent oversight body would serve multiple purposes:
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Ensuring Impartiality: An external body would be free from internal political pressures, allowing for unbiased investigations.
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Building Public Trust: Transparent processes handled by independent entities would enhance public confidence in the accountability mechanisms of public institutions.
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Protecting Whistleblowers: An independent body could offer protection to individuals who come forward with allegations, mitigating fears of retaliation.
Global Perspectives on Legislative Oversight
Globally, many democracies have recognised the pitfalls of self-regulation within legislative bodies. For instance, the United Kingdom established the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) in 2009 to oversee MPs’ expenses, following a major scandal. Similarly, the United States has the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE), an independent body that reviews allegations of misconduct against House members.
These models demonstrate the efficacy of independent oversight in maintaining ethical standards and holding public officials accountable. Nigeria could draw valuable lessons from these examples to reform its own oversight mechanisms.
A Call for Structural Reforms
The case of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio illuminates a systemic issue within Nigeria’s legislative framework: the inadequacy of self-regulation in addressing allegations against powerful figures. Allowing an accused individual to wield influence over the investigative process not only compromises the integrity of the proceedings but also erodes public trust in democratic institutions.
To rectify this, Nigeria must consider establishing independent oversight bodies with the authority to investigate and adjudicate allegations against members of the legislature, including its leadership. Such reforms are essential to ensure accountability, uphold the rule of law, and strengthen the foundations of Nigeria’s democracy.
In the words of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, “This injustice will not be sustained.” Her statement serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for systemic change to prevent the concentration of power from shielding individuals from accountability.
By instituting independent oversight mechanisms, Nigeria can move towards a more transparent and just governance system, where power does not equate to impunity, and where every citizen, regardless of rank, is subject to the law.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
