By Samuel Jekeli
Nigeria’s political landscape is no stranger to controversy, but the recent clash between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio has taken the nation by storm. Beyond the legal and ethical questions surrounding this dispute, the situation exposes a deeper problem—disorderliness in governance, selective justice, and a troubling trend of silencing dissent. As a nation striving for democracy, Nigeria cannot afford to normalize such chaos.
At the heart of this issue is the Senate’s decision to suspend Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio. Rather than conducting a fair and transparent investigation, the Senate took punitive measures that many perceive as an abuse of power. While procedural violations were cited as justification for her suspension, the speed and severity of the action suggest an underlying agenda—to stifle opposition.
This case is a microcosm of the disorderliness that plagues Nigeria’s institutions. When public offices operate without accountability, when powerful figures manipulate systems to protect themselves, and when rules are applied selectively, the nation teeters on the brink of anarchy. If the Senate, a supposed symbol of democracy, can act in such a high-handed manner, what hope is there for ordinary Nigerians seeking justice?
A just society is one that upholds fairness and equity in its dealings. However, what played out in the Natasha-Akpabio case was anything but fair. Gender dynamics cannot be ignored—Nigeria’s political sphere remains overwhelmingly male-dominated, and the suspension of one of the few female senators sends the wrong message to aspiring women in leadership.
Was due process followed? Was Natasha given a fair hearing before her suspension? Or was this simply a case of the system closing ranks to protect one of its own? These are pertinent questions that should concern every Nigerian who believes in justice and the rule of law.
Equity demands that all parties be held to the same standards. If Natasha erred, let the law take its course—fairly and transparently. If Akpabio is innocent, let him be cleared through a credible process, not through orchestrated media campaigns and questionable legislative maneuvers. Selective justice is no justice at all.
Beyond the Senate’s actions, another alarming aspect of this saga is the role of the media in shaping public perception. Instead of facilitating meaningful discourse, some media outlets have turned into propaganda machines, amplifying paid narratives and misleading the public.
It is one thing to report the news; it is another to peddle falsehoods to protect powerful figures. Nigeria’s democracy is under threat not just from corrupt politicians but also from media professionals who have abandoned objectivity for financial gain. When citizens cannot trust the information they consume, disorder festers.
The proliferation of political “analysts” who show up on national television with rehearsed scripts, defending the indefensible, further deteriorates public confidence. These individuals, often sponsored, contribute nothing to nation-building but instead fuel misinformation and division. The media must take a stand for integrity and refuse to be used as a tool for chaos.
Disorderliness in governance is not just a problem for Natasha or Akpabio—it is a national crisis. The following measures are critical in addressing this growing menace:
Independent investigations: Sensitive allegations, especially those involving top officials, should be handled by neutral bodies. An independent investigative panel would have ensured transparency in this case, preventing perceptions of bias and injustice.
Judicial oversight: Courts must serve as an impartial arbiter when political institutions act unjustly. The judiciary must rise above influence and provide fair rulings in politically charged cases.
Media accountability: Journalists and media houses should be held accountable for spreading falsehoods. Regulatory bodies must ensure that reportage is balanced and fact-based, rather than a mouthpiece for political interests.
Strengthening female representation: The marginalization of women in politics must end. More must be done to ensure that female politicians are not bullied, silenced, or sidelined by their male counterparts.
Public awareness and advocacy: Nigerians must demand accountability. The public must refuse to be distracted by propaganda and insist on truth, fairness, and justice in all political matters.
The Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Godswill Akpabio case is a glaring example of the disorderliness that has become the norm in Nigeria’s governance. Whether through selective justice, gender bias, media manipulation, or abuse of power, this situation reflects the larger dysfunction in our democracy. It is time for Nigerians to reject this culture of chaos and insist on transparency, fairness, and accountability. Only then can we build a nation that truly serves its people rather than a select few in power.
• Jekeli writes from Centre for Social Justice, Abuja