By Obipehin Adeniyi
In the past few weeks, the unfolding controversy in the National Assembly has exposed a troubling pattern—how easily individuals with low self-esteem allow their judgment to be swayed by emotions and fleeting sentiments rather than objective reasoning.
At the center of this storm are Senator Natasha Akpoti’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Yet, despite the gravity of her claims, they remain a collection of accusations without a single shred of verifiable evidence. This naturally raises concerns—could this be yet another case of deceit, blackmail, and political propaganda? Given her antecedents in dealing with men, one cannot dismiss the possibility that this is a calculated smear campaign.
A Political Smokescreen?
Could it be that Senator Natasha Akpoti is merely acting out a script written by opposition leaders to discredit the government and drag Senator Akpabio’s reputation through the mud? In a deeply polarized political environment like Nigeria’s, where power struggles often involve manipulative narratives, this theory cannot be ignored.
But beyond the allegations, a fundamental question arises—why would a sitting senator, in the revered halls of the National Assembly, find it so difficult to abide by the rules and traditions governing the institution? Her apparent disregard for decorum, coupled with an unyielding stance toward her colleagues, paints a picture of arrogance rather than statesmanship.
Reports suggest that she outrightly ignored an invitation from the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges. Even the Minority Chairman of the Senate accused her of refusing to honor reconciliation meetings, further raising concerns about her willingness to engage in constructive political discourse. If these allegations are true, then she is not just undermining the integrity of the Senate but also setting a dangerous precedent for conflict resolution in governance.
A Setback for Women in Politics?
The struggle for increased female participation in politics has been a long and arduous one. Women deserve more representation in governance, but actions like this do little to help their cause. Instead, they reinforce negative stereotypes that portray women as overly emotional and incapable of handling political engagements with maturity and diplomacy.
Power is not about aggression or victimhood; it is about strategy, wisdom, and the ability to navigate political terrains with tact. Sadly, Senator Akpoti’s approach, if indeed driven by personal grudges rather than legitimate grievances, does more harm than good to the broader fight for gender inclusivity in politics.
Sexual Harassment or Political Norms?
A major trigger for this controversy appears to be the reassignment of seats in the Senate—a routine practice whenever there is a defection or restructuring of committee memberships. How such an administrative decision suddenly escalated into an allegation of sexual harassment remains puzzling. This raises a critical issue—are we witnessing the increasing weaponization of gender for political advantage?
The reality is that the male child is becoming an endangered species in contemporary society. More frequently than ever, men find themselves on the receiving end of accusations that, whether true or false, carry devastating consequences. Society is quick to condemn, slow to investigate, and almost never willing to retract once a man’s reputation has been tarnished.
The Weaponization of Gender and the Court of Public Opinion
There is a growing trend where men are presumed guilty the moment they are accused by women—without evidence, due process, or any fair hearing. This dangerous precedent has led to countless cases of false allegations ruining the lives and careers of men, often with little to no consequences for the accusers when the truth eventually comes to light.
Throughout history, various religious and traditional belief systems—whether Islamic, Christian, or African spiritual traditions—have warned against false accusations and the destructive power of deceit. However, today’s society seems to thrive on sensationalism, where the mere perception of wrongdoing is enough to bring a man down.
This trend is not only unjust but also counterproductive. If men are continually portrayed as oppressors and women as perpetual victims, it will only create deeper divisions and foster an atmosphere of mistrust between genders. In the long run, this does not benefit society; it only fuels resentment and weakens the foundation of true gender equality.
Nigeria’s Emotional Politics: A Nation Held Hostage
One of Nigeria’s greatest challenges is the tendency to allow emotions, rather than facts, to dictate public discourse. Nigerians are naturally inclined to take sides based on political, religious, or ethnic affiliations rather than considering issues with objectivity and logic. This emotional bias is one of the biggest threats to our democracy and governance.
At the core of every functional institution—whether in government, corporate settings, or traditional leadership—are rules and regulations that ensure fairness and order. When these rules are ignored in favor of emotional narratives and public sentiment, we risk undermining the very fabric of our institutions.
If we continue down this path, where due process is sacrificed on the altar of emotional blackmail, political manipulation, and gender-based victimhood, we may soon find ourselves in a society where truth no longer matters—only who can cry the loudest.
It is time to rise above emotional theatrics and demand accountability, logic, and fairness in public discourse. If we fail to do so, then we must brace ourselves for a future where justice is determined not by facts, but by the strength of propaganda and manipulation.
Until then, the fate of men in this society remains dangerously uncertain, as they continue to navigate the stormy waters of emotional blackmail and political maneuvering.
