By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, ABUJA
ABUJA: Tension gripped the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday as security forces fired tear gas to disperse supporters of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), who staged a protest demanding Senate President Godswill Akpabio step down over allegations of sexual harassment.
The demonstrators, comprising civil society members, arrived early in the morning, chanting slogans such as “Akpabio must go” and “We stand with Senator Natasha.” They insisted that Akpabio should step aside to allow for an impartial investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims.
Eyewitnesses reported that the protesters were forcefully dispersed near the Mopol Gate of the National Assembly. Security personnel, some in plain clothes, fired tear gas to scatter the crowd. Despite this, the demonstrators regrouped at the Three Arms Zone parking area to continue their agitation.
During Wednesday’s plenary session, Akpoti-Uduaghan formally submitted a petition against Akpabio, alleging sexual harassment. Speaking under Senate Order 40, she accused the Senate President of inappropriate behavior, reinforcing claims she had made earlier during an interview on Arise TV.
In response, Akpabio accepted the petition and referred it to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for investigation. The committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun, is now expected to review the allegations.
In a related development, a Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim injunction preventing the Senate from proceeding with a planned hearing into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct. Justice Obiora Egwuatu ordered the National Assembly to halt the probe and instructed the defendants, including the Senate Clerk and the Ethics Committee, to justify their inquiry within 72 hours.
The injunction raises questions about whether the Senate will move forward with its investigation into Akpabio or adhere to the court’s ruling.
Reacting to the allegations, Akpabio vehemently denied any wrongdoing, describing himself as a strong advocate for women’s rights.
“I have never sexually harassed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman. I was raised by a single mother who instilled in me deep respect for women,” he stated during plenary.
Akpabio also highlighted his past recognition as a “gender-friendly governor” during his tenure in Akwa Ibom State, insisting that the accusations were baseless.
“I urge Nigerians and the media to allow the courts to determine the truth rather than jumping to conclusions,” he added.
The controversy has further deepened tensions within the Senate, with political observers closely watching how both the legislative and judicial processes will unfold.