LAGOS, Nigeria — Renowned Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has publicly expressed support for Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central at the Nigerian Senate under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, following the lawmaker’s sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, February 6, 2025, Henshaw posted a message of solidarity alongside a photograph of Akpoti-Uduaghan, highlighting the struggles women face in society and leadership.
“We forget so readily how far we have come. We forget our lineage, our history, our strength. We are told we are weak, we are spineless, and cannot think,” Ms Henshaw wrote.
“We accept the new role foisted on us, the subtle submission imposed by religion, by society, by tradition. They tell us we cannot govern, we cannot rule, we cannot make our own decisions. They tell us to shut up and sit down. Women like children are to be seen not heard.
“Do you not know that in nearly all species, the female is much more deadly than the male? We are the offspring of countless women-warriors!!💪 #endofdiscussion,” she wrote, marking the occasion as Woman Crush Wednesday (WCW).
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Kate Henshaw’s public support adds to the growing conversation around Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations, bringing broader attention to the issue of gender dynamics in Nigerian politics.
The Escalating Dispute
The controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan began in February 2025 when she openly resisted a reassignment of her Senate seat.
On February 20, 2025, she refused to comply with the change, insisting that the move violated her privileges.
“I don’t care if I am silenced, I am not afraid. You have denied me my privilege,” she declared on the Senate floor during the heated confrontation.
Shortly after, she accused Akpabio of making unwanted advances towards her during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom State on December 8, 2023.
She alleged that her rejection of him resulted in political repercussions, including being sidelined in Senate proceedings and obstruction of her motions on corruption investigations at Ajaokuta Steel Company.
On March 1, 2025, the Senate President’s wife, Ekaette Akpabio, responded with two defamation lawsuits against Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal High Court in Abuja, demanding ₦350 billion in damages.
She claimed the allegations had caused emotional and psychological distress to her and her children.
Senate’s Stance on the Allegations
The Senate, on Thursday, suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following allegations of misconduct, including her refusal to accept a reassigned seat and her absence from an ethics committee hearing.
The suspension also came amid an allegation she made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of sexual harassment—a claim that the Senate dismissed as lacking merit.
As part of the sanctions, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s salary and security details have been withdrawn, and she has been barred from accessing the National Assembly premises.
Her office has also been locked, and her legislative aides will not receive their salaries for the duration of the suspension.
The Senate has ruled out reconsidering her suspension unless she submits a written apology.
Akpoti-Uduaghan Slams Her Suspension
ABUJA, Nigeria – Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has rejected her six-month suspension from the Nigerian Senate, declaring it “illegal” and insisting that she remains a legitimate senator.
In a strongly worded statement on Thursday, March 6, 2025, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, condemned the decision, arguing that it violates the principles of natural justice, fairness, and equity.
“Against the culture of silence, intimidation, and victim-shaming, my unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness, and equity,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated.
“The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I will continue to use my duly elected position to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027 and beyond.”
She also reaffirmed her commitment to representing the people of Kogi Central, signing off her statement with, “Proudly Kogi Central, Proudly Nigerian.”
