A resurfaced corruption and sexual harassment scandal involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio is stirring national outrage following the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Many Nigerians are drawing parallels between Natasha’s ordeal and Joy Nunieh’s explosive revelations in 2020 about Akpabio’s alleged corrupt practices, intimidation tactics, and abuse of power.
Joy Nunieh’s Bombshell Testimony in 2020
On July 11, 2020, Joy Nunieh, the former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), made a shocking public statement, accusing then-Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, of financial corruption, abuse of office, and attempts to sexually harass her.
In her words:
"No one makes a payment in NDDC without Godswill Akpabio's approval. When we first arrived at NDDC, on the day of the inauguration, he told me in the car, ‘Madam MD, if you don’t do what I say, the same pen I used to sign your letter will be the same pen I use to remove you.’"
According to Nunieh, Akpabio pressured her to commit financial crimes by ordering her to change NDDC’s foreign currency reserves immediately after she resumed office:
"He said the first thing I should do upon arriving in Port Harcourt is to change the dollars in the NDDC account. I was afraid to do that. He claims I have a poverty mentality, that I am afraid of money. All of you know they accused me of refusing to spend money. It’s strange that today it’s all about money."
She further revealed that Akpabio instructed her to sack key officials, including the NDDC’s legal head, simply because he was from the North:
"He came to Port Harcourt two days after the inauguration and said the first thing I should do is ensure that Mr. Kaltongo is removed from his legal position and sent into compulsory retirement, saying we cannot have a Northerner heading the legal unit. I told him I couldn't do that. I don’t have the power as just an IMC member to act as a board. It’s a criminal offense and against public service rules for me to do that."
She also revealed that Akpabio tried to blackmail Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, the then-chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, by coercing her to sign a false letter implicating him in contract fraud.
"Akpabio came with a draft letter for me to write on my letterhead, implicating Senator Nwaoboshi for taking NDDC contracts. I told him I wouldn’t. I’m a lawyer, and whoever alleges must prove. He got angry and accused me of being ungrateful for refusing."
Nunieh further exposed Akpabio’s violent and oppressive leadership style, recalling how one of his close allies, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, declared:
"Dr. Cairo then said he would write the letter. If Akpabio told him to kill, he would kill before asking why."
However, Nunieh’s most shocking claim was that Akpabio sexually harassed her multiple times and resorted to intimidation when she resisted:
"Why did he not tell Nigerians that I slapped him in his guest house at Apo? I am the only woman that slapped Akpabio. He thought he could harass me sexually, but he met the wrong woman. I am an Ogoni woman, and I do not tolerate nonsense."
Shortly after these revelations, security operatives stormed Nunieh’s residence in an alleged attempt to arrest her, but she was rescued by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.
Watch the video instead:
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension: Another Case of Silencing Women?
Fast forward to March 2025, and a similar event is unfolding. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who recently spoke up about being sexually abused by Akpabio, has been suspended for six months by the Senate under Akpabio’s leadership.
This move has sparked widespread outrage across Nigeria, with many believing Akpabio is using his power to silence women who expose his misconduct. Critics argue that the Senate President’s actions are eerily similar to his past attempts to suppress Joy Nunieh’s allegations in 2020.
Is There a Pattern of Silencing Women in Nigerian Politics?
The striking similarities between Joy Nunieh’s 2020 allegations and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s 2025 suspension raise serious questions:
- ❓ Why do women who speak out against powerful politicians in Nigeria face immediate retaliation?
- ❓ Is there a pattern of silencing and suppressing female whistleblowers?
- ❓ Will anyone in power be held accountable for these allegations?
What Happens Next?
With rising public pressure, activists and some opposition lawmakers and party members are calling for:
📌 An independent investigation into Akpabio’s past and present actions.
📌 Senator Natasha’s reinstatement, as many view her suspension as an act of revenge and oppression.
📌 A renewed probe into Joy Nunieh’s 2020 allegations, especially concerning financial crimes and sexual harassment claims.
Meanwhile, Nigerians on social media are expressing their frustration and outrage, demanding justice and accountability.
What’s Your Take?
Do you believe Joy Nunieh’s past allegations connect to Natasha’s current suspension? Should there be an independent probe into these accusations? Drop your thoughts in the comment section below.
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