We Don’t Want Women to Look Emotionally Unstable” – Olujimi Urges Akpoti to Drop Suit Against Akpabio

Former senator Biodun Olujimi has called on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to withdraw her defamation lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Speaking in an interview on Arise TV on Saturday, Olujimi expressed concern that the ongoing dispute could portray women as “emotionally unstable.”

The conflict between Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, and Akpabio escalated following a heated debate in the Senate on February 20 over seating arrangements. Five days later, the Senate referred Akpoti-Uduaghan to its committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions for disciplinary review. In response, she filed a ₦100 billion defamation suit against Akpabio over alleged defamatory remarks made by one of his legislative aides.

Akpoti-Uduaghan later claimed that her troubles in the Senate began after she rejected unwanted advances from Akpabio. Addressing this allegation, Olujimi stated that while the claims should be investigated, the issue should not have been blown out of proportion. She emphasized that changes in seating arrangements are a routine occurrence in the Senate and argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s request for a live broadcast of her disciplinary hearing was excessive.

Olujimi, a former Senate Minority Leader, defended Akpabio, describing him as someone who enjoys making jokes. She recalled that during her time in the Senate, she never witnessed inappropriate conduct from him or any similar complaints from female colleagues.

While acknowledging Akpoti-Uduaghan’s grievances, Olujimi urged her to reconsider her legal action, arguing that taking a presiding officer to court was unnecessary. “We don’t want women to look like they are emotionally unstable,” she said. “We need to be strong enough to face the men. I know she is hurt, but she needs to handle it in a better way.”