By Francesca Hangeior
Supporters of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio stormed the National Assembly on Wednesday.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters had earlier stormed the parliament entrance and demanded Akpabio’s resignation over alleged sexual harassment of the Kogi lawmaker.
As Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the protest scene near the Mopol gate, her supporters erupted in cheers, waving placards with messages such as “Akpabio must go” and “We stand with Senator Natasha.”
The protesters, including members of civil society groups, insisted on a thorough investigation into her allegations.
Meanwhile, a rival group of pro-Akpabio demonstrators staged a counter-protest, holding placards and banners with inscriptions like “Apologise to the Senate President”; “We say no to Natasha’s serial blackmailing”; and “Akpabio treated Natasha as a daughter and friend.”
The protesters, under the aegis of United Women for Good Governance, demanded an apology from Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over her sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President.
Earlier, police operatives had dispersed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters with tear gas at the National Assembly Arcade.
The protesters, who had begun gathering around 8 a.m., were forced to retreat but later regrouped at the Unity Fountain to continue their demonstration.