Protest Erupts in Uyo as Akwa Ibom Women Stand Firm Behind Akpabio
Display of solidarity for Akpabio, women from Akwa Ibom State have taken to the streets of Uyo, the state capital, to protest against allegations of sexual harassment leveled by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The demonstrators, bearing placards with inscriptions such as “Number 3 man deserves respect” and “Natasha, don’t embarrass us with your behaviour,” voiced their staunch support for Akpabio, denouncing the accusations as unfounded and a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation.
The protests erupted following an interview in which Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that she had been victimized in the Senate after rejecting advances from Akpabio. This claim has sparked outrage among Akwa Ibom women, who perceive the allegations as a direct affront to their esteemed son and the nation’s third-highest-ranking official.
Grace Mathias, hailing from Essien Udim Local Government Area, addressed the protesters, emphasizing that the women of Akwa Ibom and the Niger Delta would not tolerate any disrespect towards their leaders. She warned that any further attempts to malign Akpabio would be met with fervent prayers, invoking divine intervention against those perpetuating such claims.
The demonstrators underscored the cultural importance of respecting male figures in their society, asserting that Akpabio, being well-trained in the ways of the Lord, has always shown respect towards women.
They cautioned Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to cease her alleged harassment and disrespect, declaring that any continued defamation would result in spiritual repercussions.
This protest is not an isolated incident. Previously, the Africa Arise for Change Network, a Pan-African women’s advocacy group, criticized Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct during a Senate plenary session, describing her behavior as disgraceful and unbecoming of a public officeholder.
The group accused her of undermining the principles of leadership and decorum expected of women in governance, further calling for her suspension from the Senate and recommending professional counseling to address what they termed a lack of emotional restraint.
The unfolding events have sparked a broader discourse on the dynamics of power, gender relations, and the ethical responsibilities of public officials in Nigeria. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how these allegations and the subsequent reactions will influence the political landscape and societal perceptions of leadership decorum in the country.