Nigeria’s Senate has come under fire from former Education Minister Obiageli Ezekwesili for obstructing a probe into Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Ezekwesili described Nigerian lawmakers as a bunch of nation-destroyers, accusing them of behaving with impunity.
The statement comes after The Economist reported that Nigerian politics is a nasty place for women.
The media outfit, which detailed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegation against Akpabio, claimed that the sexual harassment scandal reflects the harsh conditions Nigerian women encounter in politics.
Reacting to the post, Ezekwesili said the Senate had brought shame upon Nigeria and Nigerians by their brazen refusal to provide an opportunity for an independent investigation into the matter.
The ex-minister further stated that the Senate and Senate President had instead embarked on a smear campaign against Natasha.
Ezekwesili’s words: “Here’s @TheEconomist in yet another post on the shame brought upon Nigeria and Nigerians by @Senator_Akpabio @NGRSenate by their brazen refusal to provide an opportunity for an independent investigation and open/transparent public hearing by a Specially Constituted Committee of the Nigerian Senate.
“No one wants another Kangaroo process of injustice like they did to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan @NatashaAkpoti with their so-called “Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions “investigation” when she was referred to that tainted committee following the heated argument between her and the Senate President over seating arrangements.
“The committee recommended a six-month suspension and other egregious punishments, which were in violation of the Constitution and yet were approved by the Senate.
“Rather than reverse that illegality and focus on her petition for sexual harassment, the Senate and Senate President have instead embarked on a smear campaign against Senator @NatashaAkpoti .
“They are currently conspiring to execute a sham recall by bribing her constituents, who thankfully have largely rejected their offer of filthy lucre.
“What a bunch of nation-destroyers we have as ‘lawmakers”. They behave with impunity because they have taken a chokehold on our democracy.
“Well, it is time for all reasonable citizens to stand up to them and all the way before they totally destroy whatever is left of Nigeria.”