Godswill Akpabio

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Google Trends has released its Year in Search 2025 report, revealing the Nigerians who drew the most online attention throughout the year. Leading the list is Senator Natasha Akpoti, whose political activities and rising national profile kept her at the centre of public conversation.

Natasha Akpoti, the recently reinstated senator, has remained at the centre of national attention following a turbulent political year marked by her suspension after accusations from the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and an ongoing defamation suit he has filed against her.

Sen. Akpoti’s return to the Senate coincides with a period of renewed visibility at home, where she celebrated her 46th birthday and launched several constituency projects, including a new maternity hospital. In a gesture that drew widespread public reaction, she also gifted houses to some of her aides, further solidifying her image as a polarising yet impactful political figure.

The second most-searched Nigerian is Eberechi Eze, the England-based football star of Nigerian descent, whose impressive performances and debates over his international future fueled widespread interest. Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, ranks third as developments in the state continued to dominate headlines.

In fourth place is Chika Ike, the acclaimed actress and filmmaker whose resurgence in Nollywood and strong social media presence kept her trending. Closing the top five is Mr Eazi, the Afrobeats musician and entrepreneur whose creative and business ventures sustained considerable public curiosity.

The 2025 search trends show Nigerians’ keen engagement with politics, entertainment, and global sports. It also offers insight into the personalities who shaped national discourse over the past year.

By Rabi Ummi Umar

When asked whether the move to provide special seats for women in the National Assembly is worth celebrating, my answer is an emphatic yes. This milestone is long overdue, yet deeply heartwarming. 

It is one Nigerian woman who has waited for it with hope and tenacity, far too long for it to come. First introduced in the 9th National Assembly as one of five gender-related constitutional reform bills, the proposal failed spectacularly when it came up for voting in March 2022. 

At the time, it was among the five “gender bills” put forward during the fifth constitutional amendment process, all intended to address women’s issues in governance and representation.

Initially, the bill proposed 111 additional seats in the federal legislature – three special seats for women in each state and one in the FCT, spread across the Senate and House of Representatives. The current bill, however, scales this number down to 74 seats under HB 1349, addressing concerns about over-expansion of the legislature. 

Notably, it also includes a review clause, allowing for termination after 16 years. Now passed through its second reading in the House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative action, the bill has gained real momentum. 

It enjoys strong backing from the Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, women’s groups, the United Nations, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and several other key stakeholders. President Bola Tinubu, in his 2023 campaign manifesto, pledged to prioritise women’s inclusion. 

The advancement of this bill is thus heartening to see, a concrete step toward keeping that pledge. It is also a step in the right direction for Nigeria, opening doors for more women to participate in leadership and decision-making processes that shape the nation.

When this bill is finally actualised, Nigeria may only regret not taking the step earlier. Women have increasingly sought meaningful opportunities to prove their worth and play an active role in the country’s development. 

The aphorism goes, “Only a woman truly knows the pain of another woman.” With more women in parliament, issues that directly affect women and children will no longer be treated superficially or dismissed as “emotional.”

Beyond that, women deserve equal rights with men, including the right to participate fully in politics and lawmaking. Their presence in the National Assembly will not only bring balance but also a sense of belonging and pride. Issues like menstrual health, rape, child abuse, female genital mutilation, and femicide would find stronger voices and greater empathy in a more inclusive legislature.

As leaders and mothers, women bring perspectives grounded in lived experience. Their contributions would enrich debates, restore balance, and deepen gender equality—paving the way for a more prosperous and equitable Nigeria.

The case for women’s representation is not an empty one. Nigerian women have already shown what is possible when given opportunities. Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Minister of Finance and current Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), remains a shining example of excellence on the global stage. 

Obiageli Ezekwesili, who served as Minister of Solid Minerals and later Minister of Education, earned the enduring title of “Madam Due Process” for her tireless efforts in implementing reforms. And today, young women like Maryam Hassan Bukar, a poet and the UN’s first Global Advocate for Peace and Security, are inspiring the world with their brilliance and courage.

For these reasons and more, the case for women’s special seats in the National Assembly is both urgent and undeniable. Let us continue to support women, acknowledge their contributions, and provide them with opportunities to lead and advance. 

To those fighting for the bill’s passage, thank you for your courage and resilience. And to those who will one day occupy these seats, may you excel and bring pride to Nigeria.

Rabi Ummi Umar can be reached at rabiumar058@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam 

The Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The confirmation followed a three-hour screening session at the Senate Chamber on Thursday, during which lawmakers grilled the nominee of President Bola Tinubu on several issues regarding electoral integrity and independence.

After the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the confirmation to a voice vote, and the “ayes” carried the day without any objection. Akpabio, thereafter, urged Amupitan to ensure that votes count under his leadership.

During the screening, Amupitan dismissed claims that he served as Legal Counsel to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 Presidential Election Petition Tribunal or at the Supreme Court. 

He noted that the law reports of those proceedings were publicly available for anyone to verify.

The new INEC Chairman pledged to ensure credible elections where losers would freely congratulate winners, stressing that such outcomes would strengthen democracy and national development. 

He also vowed to prioritise logistics, safeguard election materials through technological innovations, and intensify voter education.

Amupitan entered the chamber at 12:50 p.m. after a motion by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) was seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) to suspend Order 12 and admit him into the chamber.

Before the questioning session began, Akpabio informed his colleagues that Amupitan had been cleared by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Inspector-General of Police, confirming he had no criminal record.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier written to the Senate seeking Amupitan’s screening and confirmation as INEC Chairman in accordance with Section 154 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

In his letter, Tinubu urged the Senate to expedite action on the confirmation process, attaching Amupitan’s curriculum vitae for consideration.

Akpabio subsequently referred the President’s request to the Committee of the Whole, which concluded the legislative process with the confirmation on Thursday.

By Uzair Adam 

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed two interlocutory motions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio in the case challenging Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan represents Kogi Central.

A three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Hamman Barka, unanimously struck out the motions after Akpabio’s legal team withdrew them. The court also awarded N100,000 in costs against the Appellant.

The ruling, delivered on May 21 and made available to reporters on Wednesday, involved motions dated March 3 and March 25, 2025, identified as CV/395/M1/2025 and CV/395/M2/2025.

Akpabio was listed as the Appellant in the appeal, while the Respondents included Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, and Senator Neda Imasuem, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.

Akpabio’s lawyers had sought the appellate court’s permission to extend the time to appeal a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja, delivered on March 10, 2025, in a suit involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and others. 

They also asked for leave to file a notice of appeal against the ruling, citing mixed law and fact grounds.

Ultimately, the appellate court struck out both motions, upholding the objections raised and awarding costs against Akpabio.

As I scrolled through the timeline of Senator Natasha H. Akpoti, her most recent post, titled “Satirical Apology Letter,” sparked confusion and elicited public reactions from her followers and various opinion leaders across Nigeria. Many are left questioning whether it constitutes a genuine apology or if it is merely another provocation in the ongoing feud between her and the President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio.

The senator representing Kogi Central wrote the letter in a manner that satirically questioned her adversary’s integrity and condemned the corrupt aspects of the Nigerian political system, describing it as a matter of mere compliance rather than merit.

Previously, if you can recall, the unrest between the two began in February this year, due to a minor disagreement over a change of seat, which was rejected by the female senator. This disagreement later escalated into allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President, which Senator Akpabio and his family denied. The discord ultimately resulted in her suspension from the Senate for six months.

As I continued reading the letter, it felt like waking up from a brief slumber regarding the case. While the public believed it was over, Natasha returned with determination and strongly re-emphasized her stance on the issue. She not only criticized her suspension by the Senate under leadership of Akpabio but also offered a sarcastic condemnation of the current system that led to her situation.

Senator Natasha’s Apology Letter rebukes to the status quo. The second paragraph critiques the current happenings in the Senate chamber. Although the sentences are framed as an apology, they are laced with biting sarcasm. Some individuals perceive the letter as an attempt to remain relevant, as she was nearly forgotten after the case was silenced. This sentiment was expressed by several citizens in the comments on her Facebook post.

In my opinion, the letter exemplifies passive-aggressive diplomacy. Senator Akpoti Uduaghan claims to apologize for her “failure to recognize that legislative success… is apparently not earned through merit, but through the ancient art of compliance.” The implication is clear: the political arena, particularly in Nigeria, is not a space where competence and the will of the people necessarily dictate success. Instead, it is a realm governed by deference to the powerful and the perpetuation of unwritten rules that demand personal loyalty over professional integrity.

Some people believe that the female senator wants to settle the case, but she is concerned about how the public will react. A direct apology could raise questions from the public, especially from those who have supported her from the beginning. They may ask whether she was sincere in her allegations or if she intended to tarnish Akpabio’s reputation. Nevertheless, what is truly remarkable about this piece is how it is presented as a ‘satirical apology letter.’ Instead of directly admitting fault, it takes a different approach.

The senator ridicules the notion that her refusal to engage in patronage or political favoritism warrants an apology. She frames her decision to decline the “requests” of influential figures in the Senate not as a betrayal, but as a badge of honor—a testament to her commitment to her mandate and her constituents, rather than a subservient compliance with behind-the-scenes negotiations.

The letter’s central message is encapsulated in its bitter, mocking phrase: “Please find it in your magnanimous heart… to forgive this stubborn woman who mistakenly believed that her seat in the Senate was earned through elections, not erections.” The wordplay here is both clever and sarcastic, implying that political power in Nigeria is often not merely a matter of democratic legitimacy, but rather the outcome of personal ambition, ego, and, at times, quite literally, the ability to manipulate others through unseen means.

As stated in the letter, the bold assertion regarding the nature of power and politics is undeniably risky. However, it is this very willingness to challenge complacent norms that renders Senator Akpoti Uduaghan’s letter so impactful. In a world where political leaders often issue insincere apologies when faced with allegations of corruption or incompetence, her letter serves as a powerful reminder of the fierce independence and self-respect that are frequently compromised in the quest for political survival.

Moreover, the satire is not directed at a single individual; rather, it serves as a broader condemnation of the system that perpetuates this toxic political culture. Akpoti Uduaghan critiques not only Akpabio’s conduct but also the institutional framework that enables the manipulation of power, allowing it to be transferred based on personal alliances rather than merit. The reference to “quid pro quo” arrangements and the necessity for private, off-the-record negotiations highlights a system in which transparency and accountability are frequently overshadowed by more secretive and, at times, questionable practices.

The final line, “Unafraid, Unbought, and Unbroken,” serves as both a declaration of defiance and a reminder that some individuals in the political arena remain unyielding against the forces that seek to undermine genuine progress. It is a call for a return to integrity and for leaders who are willing to challenge the status quo, regardless of the cost.

I believe that Senator Natasha should not surrender; however, considering how the system operates in Nigeria, it is crucial to find ways to ensure that the conflict does not negatively impact her constituents. Given that she and Senator Godswill Akpabio were good friends in the past, it would be beneficial to seek reconciliation, even though the damage has already been inflicted on Akpabio’s part.

Naziru Muhammad writes from the Department of Mass Communication at Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic in Bauchi.
ajiyanwaka@gmail.com

By Uzair Adam 

Suspended senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio made inappropriate comments about her, including remarks about her waist.  

In an interview with the BBC, she claimed Akpabio would “squeeze my hands in a very suggestive way,” adding, “We women, we know what it means when a man squeezes our hands in a suggestive way.”  

Akpoti recounted an incident where she forgot to wear her ring and was confronted by Akpabio in the presence of other senators.  

“There was a time I forgot to wear my ring because I rushed to work, and there were about five senators there. 

“Akpabio said, ‘Oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring… is this an invitation to treat?’” she said.  

She further alleged that Akpabio made another remark about her body, saying, “Natasha, your husband is really enjoying. It looks like you’d be able to make good movements with your waist.”  

According to Akpoti, other senators laughed at the comments, highlighting how such issues are often overlooked in Nigeria.  

“I just want a place where I would just work. I thought the worst was over, but I guess for a woman, it’s never really over, right?” she said.  

Akpoti was suspended by the Senate on March 6 for “gross misconduct and unruly behavior” following a confrontation with Akpabio over seating arrangements. 

The suspension came just a day after she submitted a petition accusing the Senate President of sexual harassment.  

However, the Senate has insisted that her suspension was unrelated to the petition.

By Sa’adatu Aliyu 

Nigeria’s legislative chamber is an embarrassment, with lawmakers handling important matters like a bunch of drunks in a bar. These are the individuals determining our fate, appearing anything but serious. Watching them feels like being strapped to a chair and forced to watch a tedious comedy. It’s a complete nightmare.

Moreover, seeing Senator Natasha walking out of the Senate was disturbing, highlighting the reality of injustice and the flawed Nigerian system that perpetuates sexism and denies women their freedom. The penalty imposed on her is nothing more than a testament to bullying.

As men dominate the floor, as they do in other male-dominated spheres, true justice appears elusive. Most of these men, who see sexism as a normal part of women’s lives, felt it appropriate to gang up against Senator Natasha. This mindset is all too prevalent among African men, who often excel at trivializing sexism. In simple terms, this is a case of toxic patriarchy reinforced—something many women have been tirelessly fighting against for years.

As a literature student who has studied the origins of feminist movements, I’m aware of the struggles women face. However, this issue goes beyond feminism; it’s about truth.

With that in mind, we all know the incident began after Senator Natasha made several claims about being sidelined by the Senate President. She was constantly ignored whenever she attempted to raise a motion concerning the development of Ajakota steel mines. Behind the Senate President’s actions, however, was a backstory. Months ago, a nightclub comment sparked widespread condemnation. After enduring so much, Senator Natasha eventually erupted, leading to the escalation of the issue and further allegedly accusing the President of a history of sexual harassment.

On Natasha’s Outfit 

The Lafaya, as it is referred to in northern Nigeria, is primarily worn by Muslim women and is considered quite decent attire, often worn at traditional events like wedding ceremonies by brides and occasionally during horse-riding festivals. It’s important to remember that Natasha is a Christian woman who has chosen to wear an outfit that not only fits her well but is also attractive and appropriately modest. Yet, the Senate President claims that her chosen fashion is transparent and offensive to his view.

If this is true, how could Natasha make it through the Senate gates if her attire was indeed so exposing and provocative? I believe the Senate has a dress code, and if her Excellency was violating it, she wouldn’t have been allowed to pass through the Senate gate.

But because, clearly, there’s nothing inappropriate about her way of dressing—which is quite respectable for a Christian woman, by the way—it renders the Senate President’s claims unfounded and disrespectful. Instead of focusing on significant issues, he gets distracted by a Senator’s wardrobe choices. It’s ridiculous.

Women as Enablers of Toxic Patriarchal Abuse

Women, particularly those from our mothers’ generation, especially African women, have been indoctrinated into a dangerous culture of acceptance that enables them to tolerate the excesses of men in society and even defend them. This includes women who attempt to justify a man’s sexual misconduct or other behavioral missteps. As a result, a daughter trapped in a bad marriage, where she is a victim of domestic violence, is often advised to endure her situation.

A daughter who’s a rape victim is not just blamed but is asked to never speak of the issue. She is the victim yet bears the shame. “It’s a wrong committed by men. There’s nothing we can do.” That’s what young girls have been taught. And because of this, many women have to live with abusive men, continuing to endure abuse on many fronts because suffering is equated with righteousness. For these women, silence is bravery, and speech is cowardly.

Moreover, among other things, those women who come out to dismiss the allegations leveled against the Senate President unapologetically belong to this school. Another likely reason to smear Natasha’s claims as false and unfounded is the threat she poses to them – women who may be envious of her based on her physical appearance and youthful beauty.

Women are known to size each other up and hold grudges against those they believe possess qualities they lack, and one thing the senator has is beauty. Just based on that, the other women may feel threatened. Therefore, supporting her is out of the question. Yet, this does not surprise me—the silence of the women who were supposed to stand with her; women are often seen as their own worst enemies.

However, while her suspension might appear as a defeat, I commend Senator Natasha for her stoic bravery and refusal to be silenced in the face of injustice. Regardless of the outcome of this case, she has triumphed because she spoke up. Natasha has refused to be that meek daughter, that “good daughter.” She has defied expectations and rejects being labeled as “Mama endurance” in the face of harassment.

And while some women may be saying, “She should have just kept quiet; look where this has landed her,” I want to tell them that it’s better to be in this position, knowing you advocated for yourself and can walk away, than to remain silent in an environment that continues to torment you.

It’s daughters like these that we want to raise – daughters who can look into the eye of injustice and say no, not again. Natasha spoke truth to authority; she fought back. And people may see her action as inappropriate, but we forget that her outburst is as a result of accumulated frustration. She’s the true daughter of “Ane Ebira,” who refused to go mum.

As a member of the same tribe as Her Excellency, Senator Akpoti, I can confidently say that the Ebira people are renowned for their bravery and steadfast fearlessness when faced with provocation. It is not our nature to instigate conflict, but we are never hesitant to confront challenges if it means defending ourselves. We are recognized for standing up for our truth. You cannot bully an Ebira man or woman without them pushing back. “I’m not afraid of you” stems from a legacy of fearless ancestors who never backed down from a fight.

Sa’adatu Aliyu works at DLC Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. She can be contacted at saadatualiyu36@gmail.com. 

By Anas Abbas

The controversy involving Senator Natasha Akpoti and the Nigerian Senate President has sparked significant discussion in the media. While it is important to cover matters of public interest, the extensive media attention on this controversy raises questions about the “oxygen of publicity” and its possible consequences.

Some say the media provides the “oxygen of publicity” to individuals or groups, granting them attention and visibility. This can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, media attention can bring important issues to the forefront and hold those in power accountable. On the other hand, excessive coverage can perpetuate sensationalism, distort facts, and create a culture of exploitation.

In the case of the Akpoti controversy, the media’s extensive reporting may be inadvertently fueling the issue. By constantly covering the controversy, the media may be giving the parties involved a sense of validation and attention, which could encourage them to continue their actions.

Ralph Akinfeleye, a professor at the University of Lagos, argues that sensationalist reporting can weaken society and have widespread negative consequences. He suggests that the media should prioritize responsible reporting and steer clear of sensationalism.

Given this, it is crucial for media organizations to reevaluate their approach to covering controversies such as the Akpoti issue. Instead of continuing sensationalism, they should emphasize balanced, factual reporting that prioritizes the public interest.

Perhaps it’s time for media organizations to step back and reflect on the impact of their reporting. By doing this, they can contribute to a more responsible and informed media landscape and enhance their reporting.

Anas Abbas is a mass communication student at Bayero University in Kano and can be reached at anasabbas2099@gmail.com.

By Fatimah Yusuf Usman

The political exclusion of women in Nigeria has once again come to the fore with the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Her alleged offense? Speaking up. Her punishment?

A swift and harsh six-month expulsion from the Senate, her office sealed, salary cut off, and access to the National Assembly revoked. Her ordeal began when she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, an allegation that was neither investigated nor given a fair hearing.

Instead, the Senate’s Ethics Committee moved with unusual speed to shut her out. This raises an urgent question. Is there space for women in Nigerian politics beyond tokenism, or must they submit and endure injustice to survive?

Sexual harassment remains a global crisis, yet many societies, including Nigeria, prefer to sweep it under the carpet. Worldwide, one in three women, about 736 million, has experienced physical and or sexual violence.

But when victims muster the courage to speak up, they are often met with disbelief, scrutiny, or punishment. Natasha’s case is no different. Rather than handling the matter with fairness and transparency, the Senate wasted no time in punishing her.

A six-month suspension without pay seems less like a disciplinary measure and more like a warning to women in politics. Know your place or face the consequences. If this can happen at the highest levels of government, what hope is there for the ordinary Nigerian woman facing harassment in her workplace, school, or community?

Women in Nigeria’s political space face a glass ceiling reinforced with steel. Out of 109 senators, only a handful are women, a stark reminder of the gender imbalance that continues to define governance in the country.

And when women like Natasha refuse to conform to the unwritten rules of submission, the system moves to silence them. But even as she was escorted out of the Senate chambers, Natasha refused to be broken.

“This injustice will not be sustained,” she declared. Her words are a rallying cry, not just for herself, but for every woman who has been silenced, sidelined, or denied justice. The idea that politics is a “man’s world” must be dismantled.

Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while women’s voices are suppressed. Gender equity in governance is not a privilege. It is a right. The Senate’s handling of this case has only reinforced the perception that powerful men can get away with anything while women who dare to challenge them are punished.

If Natasha’s case has taught us anything, it is that the struggle for women’s political inclusion is far from over. But if we do not confront this now, when will we? How long will women continue to be punished for demanding dignity, fairness, and equal representation?

This is no longer just about Natasha. It is about every woman who has been ignored, intimidated, or denied justice. If we allow this injustice to stand, we send a dangerous message that a woman’s voice does not matter. But we refuse to accept that.

We stand with Natasha. We stand with every woman who has been silenced. And we demand justice, not just for her, but for all of us.

Fatimah Yusuf Usman is a Corps Member serving at PRNigeria Centre, Abuja. can be reached via: fatimahborkono@gmail.com

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a decisive move, the Nigerian National Assembly (NASS) has suspended Senator Natasha for six months following recommendations from the Ethics and Public Petitions Committee.

The suspension, which takes effect from March 6, comes after the senator stood up for her rights during a Senate session.

The committee has mandated that Senator Natasha must submit a written apology before she can resume her duties.

Additionally, her office will remain locked throughout the suspension period, and she is barred from entering the NASS complex. Her salaries, allowances, and security details have also been suspended for the duration of her penalty.

Furthermore, Senator Natasha is prohibited from representing herself as a senator in both local and international media during her suspension.

This development has sparked widespread debate, with critics labeling the punishment as excessive and indicative of deeper governance issues in the nation.

As Africa’s most populous black nation, Nigeria continues to grapple with political controversies, and this incident has further fueled discussions about transparency and accountability in its leadership.