What Akpabio Said About My Waist Movement – Senator Natasha Reacts

Senator Natasha has responded to comments made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio regarding her waist movement, sparking reactions across social media.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has claimed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio consistently directed inappropriate and suggestive remarks at her both inside and outside the Senate chambers.

Akpoti-Uduaghan faced suspension from the Senate on March 6 due to allegations of “gross misconduct and unruly behavior” following a seating arrangement dispute with Akpabio. Interestingly, her suspension happened just one day after she officially filed a sexual harassment complaint against the Senate President.

In an interview with the BBC, she asserted that the misconduct allegations were efforts to silence her. She claimed that Akpabio often made inappropriate advances, occasionally in front of other senators.

“He would hold my hands in a very suggestive manner,” she said.

Reflecting on a particular incident, she shared, “I once forgot to wear my ring as I hurried to work. There were about five senators present at the time. Akpabio commented, ‘Oh Natasha, you aren’t wearing your ring… is this an invitation to treat?’”

She also alleged that Akpabio commented on her marriage, saying, “On another occasion, he remarked something like, ‘Natasha, your husband must be quite happy. It seems you have a talent for moving gracefully with your waist.’”

“He makes such sexist statements, and then they all laughed,” she added, referring to the other senators.

During the interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan grew emotional while talking about the effects of her allegations and the backlash she has encountered.

“People don’t grasp what it means to bear this burden. Perhaps we don’t discuss it enough in Nigeria or Africa,” she expressed, her voice trembling with emotion.

“I just want a place where I can simply focus on work. I thought the hardest part was behind me, but it seems for a woman, it’s never truly over, is it?”

Though faced with challenges, she disclosed that female parliamentarians from across Africa have reached out to her, offering encouragement and sharing their own experiences of navigating male-dominated political environments.