Hilda Dokubo, Rivers State Labour Party chairperson and Nollywood icon, fiercely defended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio this week.
peaking to News Central, Dokubo asserted that senators privately acknowledge the truth behind Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims but lack courage to admit it publicly.
The controversy erupted after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of inappropriate remarks during a Senate session.
Critics swiftly attacked her marital history, prompting Dokubo to condemn such tactics as diversionary and misogynistic.
“Focus on the allegations, not her personal life,” she urged.
Dokubo challenged societal double standards, noting, “If marriage fails once or twice, that reflects commitment—not a flaw.”
She lamented how harassment victims face disbelief until tragedies force public sympathy.
“We scold victims first, then pretend to care later,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dokubo urged Akpabio to apologize if his words caused unintended harm.
“A simple ‘sorry’ could foster understanding, not defensiveness,” she argued, stressing humility’s power in resolving conflicts.
She criticized fellow senators for dismissing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s account, accusing them of prioritizing ego over integrity.
“Senator Nwaebonyi claims Natasha lied? They all know what happened,” Dokubo declared, alleging widespread complicity in silencing women.
Her remarks highlighted systemic biases hindering women’s political participation nationwide.
Additionally, Dokubo linked the incident to broader accountability gaps in governance.
“Many lawmakers forget their oath to serve,” she said, urging citizens to demand transparency.
Her comments resonated with activists advocating gender-sensitive leadership reforms.
The dispute has reignited debates about Nigeria’s political culture, where women often face disproportionate scrutiny.
Dokubo praised Akpoti-Uduaghan’s bravery, hoping it empowers more women to confront workplace harassment and inequality.
Public reactions remain divided, with some backing Akpabio and others demanding independent investigations.
Social media campaigns like #BelieveWomen trended, reflecting polarized views on gender dynamics in leadership.
Civil society groups, including Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), called for Senate ethics reviews.
They emphasized procedural reforms to protect whistleblowers and ensure fair hearings for harassment claims.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, known for her anti-corruption advocacy, previously clashed with Kogi State officials over graft allegations.
Supporters argue her latest stance aligns with her consistent push for accountability.
As pressure mounts, the Senate’s ethics committee faces calls to probe the allegations impartially.
Observers warn that mishandling the case risks deepening public distrust in legislative institutions.
Dokubo’s intervention amplifies longstanding frustrations over Nigeria’s slow progress toward gender parity.
Only seven women serve in the 109-member Senate, underscoring systemic barriers to women’s political representation.
For now, Akpoti-Uduaghan remains steadfast, vowing to pursue justice despite backlash. “Silence helps no one,” she tweeted Thursday, thanking supporters for solidarity.
The controversy underscores urgent needs for cultural shifts and policy safeguards to protect women in public service. Until then, advocates say, many will hesitate to speak against powerful figures.
Ultimately, this moment tests Nigeria’s commitment to gender equality—and whether institutions will evolve to address entrenched biases or perpetuate cycles of exclusion.
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