From Staff Writer
Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of making inappropriate and sexist remarks towards her, including comments about her waist and marriage status.
In an interview with the BBC, the Kogi Central senator (PDP) alleged that Akpabio made suggestive comments and engaged in inappropriate physical contact.
“He would squeeze my hands in a very suggestive way,” she claimed. “We women know what that means.”
Recounting an incident, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she once arrived at work without her wedding ring, prompting Akpabio to remark, “Oh, Natasha, you are not wearing your ring… is this an invitation to treat?”
She further alleged that he made inappropriate comments about her body, saying: “Natasha, your husband is really enjoying. It looks like you’d be able to make good movements with your waist.”
When asked how other senators reacted, she responded: “They all laughed. People don’t understand what it means to carry this. Maybe we don’t talk about it enough in Nigeria or Africa.”
Reflecting on her experience, she added: “I just want a place where I can work. I thought the worst was over, but I guess for a woman, it’s never really over.”
