Police Disassemble Natasha’s Supporters @ National Assembly Gate

Police Disassemble Natasha’s Supporters @ National Assembly Gate

By Racheal Pius

Operatives of Abuja police command on Tuesday dispersed supporters of the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as they attempted to access the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

Our reporter gathered that the supporters had converged at the assembly gate early in the morning but were forcefully dispersed by police officers using tear gas. The security operatives cited the need to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The protesters were demanding the immediate resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio over allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him. Their demonstration coincided with the Senate’s plenary session and a scheduled hearing by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.

According to reports, after being dispersed from the National Assembly premises, the protesters relocated to the Unity Fountain to continue their demonstration.

Tensions between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio have escalated in recent weeks. On February 20, the Kogi senator clashed with the Senate President over seating arrangements on the Senate floor, leading to her referral to the ethics committee.

Last Friday, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and alleged that he was maligning her because she rejected his advances. The Senate President has yet to publicly respond to the allegations.

Meanwhile, the police presence around the National Assembly remains heavy to prevent further disruptions.