A dramatic scene unfolded at the National Assembly gate this morning as police officers fired tear gas to disperse supporters of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who had gathered to protest in her defense. The protest, which began around 8 AM, was staged ahead of the Senate plenary and the scheduled hearing by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petition.
The demonstrators were rallying in support of Akpoti-Uduaghan following her explosive allegation that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had maligned her after she allegedly rejected his sexual advances. The matter, which has ignited nationwide debate, has been referred to the Senate Committee for further investigation.
Eyewitnesses reported that the protesters were peaceful until security forces moved in to break up the gathering, citing concerns over public order. The confrontation led to chaos, with several supporters retreating amid clouds of tear gas.
The political face-off between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio continues to dominate discussions both within and outside the National Assembly, raising critical questions about gender rights, power dynamics, and legislative ethics in Nigeria’s political sphere.
