By Esi-ife Arogundade
In a dramatic turn of events on Wednesday, March 5, supporters of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with law enforcement as they gathered at the National Assembly, to demand an investigation into sexual harassment allegations, against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The protesters arrived at the assembly complex around 8 AM, coinciding with the resumption of the plenary session and a scheduled hearing by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
Tensions escalated quickly, leading police to deploy tear gas to disperse the crowd. In response to the police action, the demonstrators relocated to the nearby Unity Fountain, where they continued their protest.
This mobilization stemmed from a prior confrontation between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Akpabio regarding seating arrangements during the February 20 plenary session, which fuelled the call for accountability and transparency. As the situation unfolded, social media buzzed with footage of the demonstration, drawing attention to the ongoing demands for justice and reform within the Senate
The incident highlights the growing unrest surrounding the leadership in Nigeria’s National Assembly amidst serious allegations.
