Since this controversy erupted and dominated mainstream media and social platforms, I have listened to, watched, and read countless opinions; some insightful, others outright dismissive and even harmful to the struggle for women’s rights. Disturbingly, some women have engaged in self-deprecating rhetoric just to defend the accused. However, beyond the noise, something insidious is at play – something that threatens our already fragile and stunted democracy. Yet, few are connecting the dots.
Years ago, I read Animal Farm by George Orwell. At the time, it felt abstract, perhaps because my understanding of power and control was not fully developed. Now, more perceptive of reality and its subterfuge, in light of events at the National Assembly, I see Napoleon’s hands playing in real time.
Since the start of the current administration, accusations of a creeping one-party system have been widespread. Combined with evidence of the government’s treatment of opposition figures and dissenting voices in the media – through intimidation, harassment, arrests, and even sham prosecutions – not only fuels, but confirms these fears. This disdain for alternative perspectives mirrors Napoleon’s suppression of dissent on the farm, where questioning his authority meant exile or execution.
Given this context, Senator Natasha Akpoti’s suspension not only raises troubling questions like: why was she singled out? But gives a clear answer: while we may not be a one-party state in theory, in practice – and in the minds of our political class – we already are.
Moreover, the Senate is replete with many incidents, perhaps not identical to hers, but with starkly different outcomes. Less than a decade ago, the current First Lady was involved in a physical altercation, nearly stripping another senator whom she accused of harassment and threats to her life. If memory serves me correctly, she was neither suspended nor shamed to this extent for speaking up.
It chills me to the bone that elected senators, whose duty is to debate and make laws – sometimes fiercely, sometimes amicably – could unanimously – laded with a rather uncommon enthusiasm suspend the accuser simply because she levelled a serious allegation against the Senate leadership. If this doesn’t convince you that we are operating a one-party system, with Animal Farm-esque follower-leaders who leap to action at Napoleon’s command, then what will?
I will not argue the legality of her suspension for allegedly breaching Senate rules. The courts will decide that, as they have done in similar cases. What is baffling, however, is that no one in the so-called ‘hallowed’ chamber thought to uphold its integrity by questioning the clear conflict of interest: how could an accused Senate President preside over the case of his accuser? How could they recommend her suspension in the presence of such damning allegations? Clearly, this was never about protecting the Senate’s honour or following due process. It was about Napoleon silencing an erring voice.
Some people have chosen to focus on attacking the accuser’s character instead, asking: “She has many children for many men.” “She has accused others of the same offence.” “Why always her?” If this is your line of reasoning, I have no answers for you. Your conscience should provide them. If it does not, then you are beyond redemption, and you shouldn’t have bothered reading this.
For those asking why no other female senator stood by her or why she could not get another senator’s signature for her petition, the answer lies in the very premise of this piece. This is the malaise of a one-party state, and we are dealing with individuals whose minds have been captured by Napoleon’s insatiable greed – taught to betray their conscience [colleague] for their stomachs. Animal Farm showed us how those once committed to the revolution eventually turned against their own, betraying their principles for personal gain. Boxer, the hardworking horse, trusted Napoleon until the very end, only to be sold off when he was no longer useful.
Moreover, Nigerians have a well-documented penchant for sycophancy, fuelled by greed and a disturbing willingness to enable injustice, even when unintentional. It should come as no surprise that not a single senator had the courage to challenge the status quo, even when history suggests that her claims may not be far from the truth.
Now ask yourself, are all these not signs and evidence that we have descended into a one-party rule in disguise with how identical the thoughts and actions of our so-called leaders are.
The sad reality is that today is International Women’s Day. When I wrote this, it was not, but I could already sense the hypocrisy in the air – Nigerians and their businesses flooding social media with finely worded statements about gender equality while conveniently ignoring this blatant injustice. Just last month, I travelled the hinterlands of Nigeria, documenting the progress of women in farming, unaware that I was about to witness a stark reminder of how little has truly changed.
Coincidentally, this year’s theme is “Accelerate Action.” Yet, the inaction surrounding this case brings to mind Martin Niemöller’s First They Came. I hope that when Napoleon turns his gaze upon you [me], there will still be people left to speak up.
