“If You Blow Whistle Too Loudly, You Will Be On Your Own” – Shehu Sani Warns Senators

Former Nigerian senator and social activist Shehu Sani has cautioned lawmakers about the risks of exposing internal Senate affairs, warning that whistleblowers within the chamber often face severe consequences. His remarks come in response to the controversial six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of blocking her motions after she rejected his alleged sexual advances.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, had filed a petition against Akpabio, but the Senate Ethics Committee dismissed it, citing procedural violations. The committee instead recommended her suspension for allegedly bringing the Senate into disrepute. The punishment also includes withholding her salaries, allowances, and payments to her legislative aides, as well as locking her office.

Reacting to the development, Sani recalled his own ordeal in the 8th Senate when he disclosed details of senators’ salaries and allowances. He revealed that this nearly led to his suspension, which was only averted through the intervention of then-Senate leaders Bukola Saraki and Ike Ekweremadu.

“When I publicly disclosed the salaries and allowances of the Senators, it nearly earned me a six-month suspension if not for Divine Intervention, Saraki and Ekweremadu’s immediate rescue,” Sani stated.

He further warned that any senator who speaks out against internal matters risks political isolation, saying, “Just know that if you are there and you blow whistle too loudly, you will be ‘On your Own,’ no senator will bring his head or neck to support you.”