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BY BOLAJI AFOLABI

Many years back as teenagers in Kaduna, which by the way was the political capital of the (then) Northern region, the writer and group of friends, school mates, and play-mates had pleasant taste of access to modernity. Even as children of middle-class parents who were either civil servants, or in the semi, and informal sectors, basic necessities were readily available and accessible; not what is prevalent today. We spent hours playing street football, and devoting quality time on the tracks, and indoor sports hall of the magnificent Ahmadu Bello stadium, situated on the very busy Constitution road. Aside from this pastime, which became permanent fixtures on our daily schedule; minus Sundays, television-watching was next. As children, we love the various sporting and drama programmes on the Nigerian Television, (NTV) which later changed to Nigerian Television Authority, (NTA). How can one forget the nine p.m. flagship news which was a compulsory-watch by the writer’s parents. Daily, one sat glued to the large Technics model black and white (later changed to) Phillips coloured TV set for about 45 minutes wondering what the likes of Bimbo Roberts, Sienna Alwell-Brown, and Ronke Ayuba were saying even as they read the news with much grace, flair, poise, and masterful diction.

One of the programmes that somewhat arrested the interest and time of children was Circus Show. Though the characters were foreigners, it was difficult to keep pace with the speed, styles, and precision of their theatrics but the programme was a must-watch. It was very popular that children mimicked the actors, and played-out some of the scenes. In later years, the import and message of the programme made more sense. It was purely comical, full of amusements, and laughter laced with drama and pretence. Over three decades after, many people of my generation still have nostalgic memories about the programme. Somehow, on the sidelines of any social event where we meet, it is discussed by all. Sadly, further introspection, and unbiased analysis of the entire programme may be used to describe some of the happenings in our daily lives, society, and nations.

The writer watched video clips of Senate’s plenary session of Thursday, March 6, where it deliberated and passed the recommendation of its Committee on Code of Conduct, Ethics, and Privileges, with the suspension of Senator Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months as the major decision. Not done, the Senate took some other decisions against the Kogi Central Senator including non-payment of salaries and allowances during the period of suspension; no access to the National Assembly; lockdown of her office; withdrawal of security agents from her. Within racy minutes of step-by-step play-back of events, and scenarios of the Akpabio/Natasha conflict that culminated in her suspension, the forgotten, and likely rested “Circus Show” TV programme came to my consciousness.

About two weeks back, Natasha, on the floor of the red chamber complained about the change of her sitting position to Akpabio, as the President of the Senate. Thereafter, in an Interview on the ARISE NEWS channel, the amazon who is of Nigerian and Russian parentage made some accusations against the former Akwa Ibom state governor which includes sexual harassment. During the course of the media interaction, Natasha came across as bold, fearless, and audacious. Any discerning mind could easily decipher that she probably had more revelations to throw out. Perhaps, for lack of time, being a live programme, Nigerians were “denied” the opportunity of more stain and spoil of the red half of the country’s parliament.

As expected, the Senate’s initial reaction to the litany of accusations against Akpabio by Natasha drew the ire of many Nigerians. With loads of negative public perception hanging on its neck, every step of action and decision made by the Senate elicited public opprobrium. At every forum, social media, and gathering, it was a collage of sighs and hisses. Perhaps, people were taken aback, not impressed, and disillusioned by the Senate’s attempt to allegedly water-down, trivialize, and poo-poo the accusations against Akpabio. Perhaps, having taken stands, and formed opinions on the matter, many people were not willing and prepared to hear the Senate. That is the power of perception, particularly when negative.

Given the negative effects Natasha’s interview and allegations against Akpabio will have on the institution, some attempts were made to address the issues, and possibly change the narratives. Past and present female Senators Biodun Olujimi, Florence Ita-Giwa, and Ireti Kingibe appeared on television station(s) to lend their voices in the defence of the Senate. Some people concluded that their efforts to douse tensions were scarcely achieved as responses to questions further increased the frenzy. Also, it was argued that some new angles begging for more inquisition came to light.

Though the Senate may not publicly admit and agree, the development has ruffled some feathers, and thrown the institution into cacophony of palpable moral doubt, denigration, and derogatory position. Sadly, some Senators who are truly distinguished are victims of collateral damage occasioned by the “odourtic” and shameless development. The space, speed, and suddenness of comments and reactions to the issues somehow confirmed that some people are worried and disturbed. Few others may be mindful of where the pendulum may switch to. The fierce anger, combative posture, and skewed conjectures demonstrated by few Senators, either on the floor of the chamber or in the media are further confirmations that the matter “no make person laugh.” For instance, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, representing Ekiti North came up with some non-ingenious “truth” which was immediately, and robustly dismissed as “inadvertently misrepresenting the facts, as no such allegations (by Natasha) has ever been made against Dr. (Kayode) Fayemi,” by the state’s immediate past governor. After Fayemi’s sincere, matured, and principled rebuttal, which gained currency on media space, one hopes that, going forward, Fasuyi will take some vital, and enduring lessons in facts-verification on matters before going public.

That the Senate has now rolled out about seven decisions in its suspension of Natasha should not surprise discerning Nigerians. The same should apply to every chronicler of national events, particularly the parliament. Fact, the leadership (no matter how wrong, faulty) will always have its way. Conversely, the other party in such situations (no matter how convincing) will end up with the smallest part of the stick; if lucky. That the Senate, through Akpabio hit the gavel against Natasha was further confirmation of the writer’s thoughts after watching the Spokesperson; Yemi Adaramodu on CHANNELS TV programme a few days back. Looking unperturbed, the Ekiti-born Senator who exhibited concealed triumphalism amid who-cares and dismissive comportment described the crisis as a “storm in the tea cup.”

However, after the “magisterial” verdict, the Senate failed to address the main issue. Allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio remains the crux of the matter. This is the “koko” of the altercation. The writer like many Nigerians is not sure if this was tackled by the Senate, who by the way appears to be in a hurry to put the matter to bed. Somehow, the issue, which may possess a life of its own may resist any, and every effort to consign it to the garbage of national history. Going by the numerous parliamentary breaks and national holidays, the 6 months suspension (if it stays) may effectively rise to 8 or 9 months.This, may further extend the lifespan of the sexual harassment allegations.

According to a school of thought, the sexual harassment allegations may actually be the fall out of previous cases of high-handedness, marginalization, and vindictiveness. Another school of thought posited that removing Natasha as Chairman, Committee on Local Content may not be wrong; on face value. However, replacing her with Senator Ede Dafinone, Delta Central; her husband’s representative in the red chamber may be a calculated attempt to rubbish and possibly cow her. Also, appointing Senator Onowakpo Thomas, Delta South as Deputy was an aberration and flagrant contravention of the Federal Character policy as it relates to allocation of Committees in the Senate. Indeed, the rumour mill is alive of unsubstantiated talks that few unnamed Senators, scared of the visibility, and mileage Natasha was leveraging from Local Content decided to strategize on how best to whittle down her influence.

In all of this “penkelemes” borrowing the coinage of Chief Adegoke Adelabu, Leader of Opposition in the Western Regional Assembly; Federal Minister of Natural Resources & Social Services; and Chairman, Ibadan District Council in the First Republic, there are some observations, and puzzles. How well did the Minority Leadership in the Senate protect one of its own? Why were the North Central Caucus, and Northern Senators Forum quiet? What happened to the voices of the Governor Bala Mohammed-led PDP Governors Forum? Not forgetting the PDP National Working Committee, (NWC), and PDP Board of Trustees, (BOT)? Were the Elders and Leaders of the PDP so engrossed with the 2027 presidential battle that they abandoned their only female Senator from the North to face the confideracy of forces? Finally, the writer hopes, when tempers simmer down, there will be an amicable resolution of the crisis which has done damage to the families of Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan. It is expected that as days goes by, the two Senators after thorough introspection of the issues will pick few lessons that are germane to future personal, political, and public service experience.

* BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist, was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja.