Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory in the Senate, is facing backlash on social media after commenting on the ongoing controversy between her colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The dispute began when Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, accused Akpabio of singling her out for unfair treatment because she had rejected his alleged sexual advances. The tension between the two escalated last week during a Senate session when Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to move to her newly assigned seat. Her protest led to a heated exchange, and she was eventually referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary review.
In an interview with Arise TV on Friday, February 28, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan reiterated her claims, stating that the seat reassignment was a tactic to hinder her legislative work. However, in the same interview, Senator Kingibe criticized her colleague for refusing to comply with Senate rules, suggesting that the seating arrangement was not targeted at Akpoti-Uduaghan alone.
Kingibe’s remarks did not sit well with many Nigerians, especially on social media, where she was accused of failing to stand in solidarity with another woman facing alleged harassment. Some pointed out that Natasha had previously defended Kingibe in the Senate when she faced challenges, making her public disapproval of Natasha’s stance feel like a betrayal.
Social media users voiced their disappointment, with some saying Kingibe’s response reflected a culture of silence around sexual harassment, particularly among older generations. Others felt she had missed an opportunity to use her platform to support a fellow female lawmaker.
The controversy continues to stir conversations about power dynamics, gender solidarity, and the treatment of women in Nigerian politics.
