We Need More Natashas: The Courage to Redefine Nigerian Politics

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The Decay in Nigerian Politics

In Nigerian politics today, sentiment, favoritism, and selfishness have replaced integrity, service, and patriotism. Many politicians have completely redefined politics from what we were taught in schools. They have also distorted the meaning of democracy, turning it from government of the people into a game of greed and self-interest.

The very essence of public service to serve the people has been lost. Today, when someone is called a “politician,” Nigerians no longer expect character, ideas, or performance. Instead, the name now suggests lavish lifestyles, sudden wealth, luxury cars, and mansions built overnight.

Politics has become a safe haven for ill-gotten wealth and a quick route to fame and fortune. Sadly, many politicians embarrass themselves and the nation through their greed and arrogance.

The Natasha Akpoti Story

A few months ago, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan made headlines after alleging sexual harassment against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio. The revelation sparked intense debate and controversy, eventually leading to her suspension from the Senate for six months.

The case divided Nigerians. While many praised her courage, others unfairly attacked her questioning her motives and even mocking her pain. Yet, through it all, Natasha stood tall, refusing to be silenced or broken.

This raises a fundamental question:

Is Senator Natasha a regular Nigerian politician?

The answer is clear: No, she is not.

A Record of Courage Before Politics

Long before she became a Senator, Natasha Akpoti had already shown uncommon bravery. She exposed the massive corruption and inefficiency surrounding the Ajaokuta Steel Company, where billions had been spent for decades without meaningful results.

She spoke boldly about how the steel complex, which could have transformed Nigeria’s economy, had been crippled by greed and vested interests. Her advocacy for the revival of Ajaokuta Steel made her both a target and a hero a voice of truth in a system where silence is often rewarded.

A System That Silences Women

In a truly democratic society, an allegation of sexual harassment should lead to a thorough and impartial investigation. But instead of justice, Natasha faced intimidation and ridicule.

Worse still, some fellow women joined in mocking her, demanding video evidence rather than supporting a fair process. This shows how far we still have to go as a nation in protecting women’s dignity and ensuring justice for victims of harassment or intimidation.

The Nigerian Senate, and indeed all political institutions, must develop stronger and fairer mechanisms for addressing cases involving harassment, abuse, and intimidation especially those directed at women in leadership.

The Power of Resilience

Despite the intense political storm, Senator Natasha refused to bow to pressure. She could have switched parties, begged for forgiveness, or compromised her principles. But she chose a higher path, the path of integrity and courage.

By doing so, she sent a powerful message: “Six months of silence cannot kill the truth.”

As the Senate reconvenes on October 7, 2025, following the end of her suspension, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether she will be allowed to resume without conditions and whether justice, at last, will prevail.

A Call to Nigerian Women

Nigerian female politicians and women in public life must take a cue from Natasha Akpoti’s resilience. They should emulate her virtue of courage, her strength of conviction, and her refusal to compromise her values.

Women must stop begging for what rightfully belongs to them. They should earn it, work for it, and demand it with pride. More importantly, women in leadership should mentor younger girls, helping them build confidence and self-worth.

Women are not in competition with men, but in partnership to build a fairer, stronger society. The days of relegating women to the mere position of “Women Leader” must end. Women supporting women must evolve from tokenism into a real movement of empowerment and equality.

 

The Natasha Example

If Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan could endure intimidation, suspension, and public attack and still emerge unbroken then every Nigerian woman with knowledge, courage, and determination can rise and make a difference.

Her story is a testimony that women can lead with grace, grit, and principle, and that true power comes not from money or connections, but from conviction and courage.

 

We Need More Natashas

• We need more Natashas to strengthen Nigerian women.
• We need more Natashas to teach women how to lead with honor and courage.
• We need more Natashas to speak truth to power and stand for justice.
• We need more Natashas to prevent women from becoming tools in the hands of political manipulators.
• We need more Natashas to give women a real voice in politics and governance.

Conclusion

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has proven that politics can be clean, purposeful, and courageous. She stands as a symbol of integrity and resilience in a male-dominated system that often seeks to silence women of strength.

If Nigeria is to grow into a truly democratic and just society, we need more women like Natasha bold, visionary, unbending, and determined to serve the people, not themselves.

Indeed, Nigeria needs more Natasha Akpoti and more women like her if we are ever to achieve equity, justice, and national renewal.

 

🖋️ Dr. Bright Oniovokukor

ED, Indomitable Youths Organization