Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sexual harassment and forms of gender-based violence against women.

In this episode, Ayodeji and Kachie celebrate International Women's Day and month, by discussing one of the largest sexual harassment claims in Nigeria. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan submitted a claim against Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio for sexual harassment. A case that highlights the plight of women in Nigeria from the very few who walk the corridor of political power to the everyday woman. They discuss:

• Allegations of misconduct can have significant repercussions for individuals in power.
• The treatment of women in political spaces often reflects broader societal issues.

• The importance of women's representation in politics cannot be overstated.
• The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability in cases of misconduct.
• Support for victims of harassment is crucial in fostering a safe political environment. The aura surrounding accusations can influence public perception.
• Retribution against women in power is often heavy-handed.
• Silencing women leads to a culture of fear and oppression.
• The judiciary in Nigeria is perceived as compromised and ineffective.
• Women in politics face systemic challenges and discrimination.

• And more.

Central Square:

• Backdrop (Previous incident with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan)
• Backdrop (Sexual harassment claims by Ex NDDC MD, Dr Joi Nunieh, in 2020)

• Incident at Senate (I am not afraid of you)

• Video of incident

• Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Alleges sexual harassment by Senator Akpabio

• Senator Akpabio dines claims, says he has NEVER harassed any woman sexually, was raised very well by his late single mother

• Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment petition dead on arrival, Senate.

• The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions suspends Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months

• Senator Natasha Reports Her Suspension, Case Against Senator Akpabio To UN Inter-Parliamentary Union

• Senator Natasha Was Suspended For Gross Misconduct, Not Because Of Her Allegation, Senate Tells United Nations IPU (Inter parliamentary conference)

MEDIA MACHINE FOR AKPABIO

• Former Senator Florence Ita-Giwa: Claiming Sexual Harassment in the Senate Shows Weakness, Women Should Be Unapproachable

• The Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, accuses Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of having 6 children with different men and dismissed the sexual harassment allegation Senator Natasha levied against the President of the Senate

• The Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi says Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is spoiling the chances of other women in Nigeria who want to enter Politics.

• Akpabio’s wife defends husband

• Akpabio’s wife sues Natasha, demands N350 billion in damages

• Pro-Akpabio Protesters Rally at National Assembly

• Nigerian Women Crusade for Good Governance (NWCGG), representing women’s groups, has apologised to the Senate President

• Female legislative aides of the 10th senate appreciate Senate President Akpabio for being gender-friendly, inclusive and fair

Support for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan:

• It’s ‘legislative recklessness’, Human rights lawyer Femi Falana condemns Natasha’s suspension

• Former Minister Oby Ezekwesili accuses senate of abuse of power, hails Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

If you have faced any form of sexual harassment or other forms of gender-based violence, please contact the relevant support organisation in your jurisdiction.

In Nigeria, contact: WARIF and/or Mirabel Centre

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