Senator Natasha Satirical Apology To Akpabio Generates Heavy Debate, Clapback

In her letter, she wrote:

“Dear Distinguished Senate President Godswill Akpabio,

It is with the deepest sarcasm and utmost theatrical regret that I tender this apology for the grievous crime of possessing dignity and self-respect in your most exalted presence. I have reflected extensively on my unforgivable failure to recognize that legislative success in certain quarters is apparently not earned through merit, but through the ancient art of compliance — of the very personal kind.

How remiss of me not to understand that my refusal to indulge your… ‘requests’ was not merely a personal choice, but a constitutional violation of the unwritten laws of certain men’s entitlement. Truly, I must apologize for prioritizing competence over capitulation, vision over vanity, and the people’s mandate over private dinners behind closed doors.

I now realize the catastrophic consequences of my actions: legislation delayed, tempers flared, and the tragic bruising of egos so large they require their own postcodes. For this disruption to the natural order of ‘quid pro quo,’ I bow my head in fictional shame.

Please find it in your magnanimous heart somewhere buried deep beneath layers of entitlement to forgive this stubborn woman who mistakenly believed that her seat in the Senate was earned through elections, not erections.

I remain, Yours in eternal resistance, Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan Unafraid, Unbought, and Unbroken.”

The clash between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio first erupted in July 2024 during a plenary session, when Akpabio rebuked her attempt to speak without recognition by saying, “We are not in a nightclub.”

His comment was widely condemned as sexist, sparking outrage among Nigerians.

Following public backlash, Akpabio issued an apology, insisting that he meant no harm and stated his respect for women.

Tensions escalated further in February 2025 when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging that he made inappropriate comments and advances toward her.

She submitted a formal petition to the Senate, but it was dismissed on procedural grounds.

Shortly afterward, she faced a six-month suspension for unrelated conduct, a move that many believed was retaliatory and intended to silence her.

This decision ignited a wave of protests nationwide under the banner “We are all Natasha,” as women and human rights groups rallied behind her to denounce gender discrimination within Nigeria’s political system.

While groups like the Kogi Patriotic Consultative Assembly urged Natasha to apologize and move on, many Nigerians supported her refusal to back down, praising her courage in confronting systemic biases.

In response to the allegations, Senate President Akpabio denied all wrongdoing, labelling her claims as baseless and malicious.

He threatened to pursue legal action against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and others for what he described as defamation and character assassination.