Natasha Akpoti on ‘global campaign’ to discredit senate, says diaspora youths council

The Diaspora Council of Nigerian Youths (DCNY) has accused Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of embarking on a global campaign to discredit the Nigerian senate.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, had recently accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexually harassing her.

The allegation came in the wake of her seating arrangement altercation with Akpabio at the red chamber.

She was subsequently suspended from the senate for “gross misconduct” over the debacle.

Akpoti-Uduaghan spoke at the IPU meeting on March 11 about the suspension, telling the gathering that the action was designed to silence her over the sexual harassment allegations

Thereafter, she has granted a myriad of interviews to international media platforms on the sexual allegation against Akpabio.

Speaking during an emergency meeting at the Congress Hotel in Chicago, United States, Yinka Gbadebo, the convener and president of the DCNY, expressed concern over the senator’s approach in seeking redress, which the council believes undermines Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

“We express our profound displeasure over the sensationalism that has characterized Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public statements,” the group said.

“Her willful violation of Senate rules regarding sitting arrangements is the reason for her suspension, not her unsubstantiated claims of sexual harassment.”

The group said Akpoti-Uduaghan’s engagements with international media and organisations, in which she allegedly described Nigeria as a lawless nation, have provoked outrage among the diaspora community.

The council emphasised the adverse impact of such negative portrayals, especially as Nigerians worldwide face increasing scrutiny, visa restrictions, and discrimination due to damaging stereotypes.

“Her rhetoric not only misrepresents the reality but also damages the collective image of Nigerians both at home and abroad,” Gbadebo added.

“If she truly believes in democracy, she must allow the institutions she claims to serve to address her grievances. Resorting to media trials and international blackmail only serves to undermine the very foundations of justice.

“Her current path of sensationalism and self-victimization is unbecoming of a lawmaker. If she represents the people, she must prioritize Nigeria’s interests over her personal ambitions.

“Nigeria is bigger than any individual. We urge Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to halt her destructive actions, seek reconciliation, and act in a manner befitting a public servant.”

Festus Danjuma, publicity secretary of the DCNY, said: “Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reckless statements reinforce false perceptions about Nigeria, making life even more challenging for our citizens abroad.”