“Akpabio a Scape goat and a Victim of circumstance on Akpabio/Natasha Sexual harassment scandal”
By Prof Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Throughout history, numerous powerful men have been implicated in sexual misconduct scandals, often leading to significant personal and political repercussions. These incidents highlight the complex dynamics of power, privilege, and accountability. An overview of a few of such cases are as listed:
Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles:
One of the most publicized extramarital affairs involved Prince Charles, now King Charles III, and Camilla Parker Bowles. Their relationship, which began before and continued during Charles’s marriage to Princess Diana, became public knowledge in the 1990s. The affair led to widespread media scrutiny and public disapproval, culminating in Charles and Diana’s divorce in 1996. Despite the controversy, Charles and Camilla married in 2005, and she is now Queen Consort.
Andrew Cuomo’s Resignation Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations:
In the United States, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo faced multiple allegations of sexual harassment from 11 women, leading to his resignation in August 2021. Despite denying any inappropriate conduct, Cuomo stepped down amid mounting pressure from political allies and the public. In 2025, he announced his candidacy for New York City mayor, aiming to rehabilitate his political career.
Chris Pincher Scandal and Boris Johnson’s Downfall:
In the United Kingdom, the Chris Pincher scandal had far-reaching political consequences. Pincher, a Conservative MP and Deputy Chief Whip, was accused of sexual misconduct in 2022, including incidents predating his appointment. Initially, the government denied Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s prior knowledge of these allegations. However, Johnson later admitted awareness, leading to a crisis within his administration. The scandal prompted numerous resignations from ministers and government staff, ultimately culminating in Johnson’s resignation as party leader in July 2022.
Don Meredith’s Senate Resignation in Canada:
In Canada, Senator Don Meredith faced allegations of sexual misconduct involving a teenage girl. An ethics investigation concluded that Meredith had violated the Senate’s code of conduct. Despite initial refusals to resign, Meredith eventually stepped down in May 2017, following recommendations for his expulsion.
Analysis of Akpabio as a Scapegoat and Victim of Circumstance against International background:
The cases of Prince Charles, Andrew Cuomo, Chris Pincher, and Don Meredith illustrate how sexual misconduct allegations can impact the careers and legacies of powerful men. These incidents often involve complex narratives where individuals may be perceived both as perpetrators and as victims of circumstance. In some cases, societal and political dynamics can lead to individuals becoming scapegoats, bearing the brunt of collective outrage.
In the context of the Akpabio/Natasha sexual harassment scandal, it’s essential to consider the multifaceted nature of such allegations. While accountability for misconduct is paramount, it’s also crucial to recognize how political rivalries, media portrayals, and public perceptions can influence the narrative, sometimes casting individuals as scapegoats or victims of broader circumstances.
These cases underscore the importance of due process, transparency, and a balanced perspective when addressing allegations against public figures. They also highlight the need for systemic changes to prevent misconduct and ensure that power dynamics do not shield individuals from accountability.
In Africa again, throughout Africa, several high-profile figures have been involved in extramarital affairs and sexual misconduct scandals, reflecting the complex interplay between power, personal conduct, and public accountability. Let’s look at a few cases:
Robert Mugabe and Grace Mugabe:
Robert Mugabe, the late President of Zimbabwe, began an extramarital affair in 1987 with his secretary, Grace Marufu, who was 41 years his junior and married at the time. While still married to his first wife, Sally Hayfron, Mugabe fathered two children with Grace. After Hayfron’s death in 1992, Mugabe married Grace in 1996. Grace Mugabe, known for her lavish lifestyle, was often criticized for her extravagant spending and alleged involvement in corrupt activities.
David Masondo’s Abuse of Power Allegations:
David Masondo, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Finance since 2019, was embroiled in controversy over an extramarital affair with Palesa Lebitse. After the relationship ended, Masondo accused Lebitse of extortion, leading to her arrest by the Hawks, South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation. However, the National Prosecuting Authority declined to prosecute her, and allegations arose that Masondo had abused his power by involving state resources in a personal matter. The African National Congress’s Integrity Commission recommended that Masondo step aside from his duties, citing concerns over his judgment and the potential misuse of authority.
Dali Mpofu and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela:
In the early 1990s, Dali Mpofu, a South African advocate and politician, was rumored to have had an affair with Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, then the wife of Nelson Mandela. Reports suggested that Madikizela-Mandela misused African National Congress (ANC) funds during this period, allegedly to support Mpofu. Both denied the affair and the allegations of financial misconduct. The controversy led to their dismissal from their respective positions within the ANC in 1992. Some sources later claimed that the apartheid government’s security forces had orchestrated a disinformation campaign to discredit Madikizela-Mandela and the ANC.
Analysis of Akpabio as a Scapegoat and Victim of Circumstance against the African background:
The recent suspension of Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following her sexual assault accusation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, underscores the intricate dynamics of power, gender, and accountability in African politics. While the Senate’s ethics committee dismissed her allegations on procedural grounds, Akpoti-Uduaghan faced disciplinary action for unrelated infractions, leading to her six-month suspension. This incident highlights the challenges women encounter in political spheres, especially when confronting powerful male counterparts. In such scenarios, individuals like Akpabio can be perceived both as perpetrators and as victims, depending on the narrative and political context. These cases emphasize the necessity for transparent investigations and equitable treatment to uphold justice and maintain public trust in political institutions.
These examples from Africa illustrate that personal misconduct among public figures can have profound political and social ramifications. They also reflect the broader challenges of addressing power imbalances and ensuring accountability within political systems.
Right home here in Nigeria, Nigeria has witnessed several high-profile cases involving politicians entangled in sexual misconduct and extramarital affairs. These incidents have often led to public outcry and debates about ethics and accountability in the country’s political landscape. For instance:
Michael Enyong’s Alleged Affair:
In February 2018, Michael Okon Enyong, representing Uyo, Uruan, Nsit Atai, and Ibesikpo Asutan in the Nigerian National Assembly, faced accusations of impregnating a supporter. Enyong denied the allegations, attributing them to political opponents attempting to tarnish his reputation ahead of the 2019 elections.
Samuel Ikon’s Misconduct Allegations:
In June 2016, Samuel Okon Ikon, representing Etinan, Nsit Ibom, and Nsit Ubium, was accused, along with two other National Assembly members, of sexual misconduct during a leadership training program in Cleveland, Ohio. The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria alleged that Ikon had solicited prostitutes and attempted rape. Ikon denied the accusations, claiming mistaken identity, and threatened legal action against the ambassador. The Nigerian National Assembly’s ethics committee investigated and ultimately exonerated him.
Ehigie Uzamere’s Marriage Controversy:
Ehigie Edobor Uzamere, a senator representing Edo South from 2007 to 2015, was embroiled in a scandal involving an alleged fraudulent marriage. In 2007, an American woman claimed Uzamere married her in New York in 1979 to obtain a green card and later abandoned her. Uzamere dismissed the allegations, denying any marriage to the woman. However, in May 2009, the New York State Supreme Court found that the marriage had occurred and ordered Uzamere to appear in court.
Femi Otedola’s Blackmail Incident:
In December 2016, billionaire businessman Femi Otedola was involved in a controversy where two Toronto-based sisters, Jyoti and Kiran Matharoo, allegedly attempted to extort him. The sisters claimed to have evidence of Otedola’s infidelity and threatened to release it on a notorious sex-scandal website. Otedola reported the attempted blackmail to the authorities, leading to the sisters’ arrest. They later disputed Otedola’s account, asserting that their relationship with him was consensual and that they never engaged in blackmail.
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s Relationship with Ojukwu:
In 1989, Bianca Onoh, then reigning as Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN), began a relationship with Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the former Biafran leader, who was over thirty years her senior. Their romance became a national talking point in the early 1990s due to the significant age difference and Ojukwu’s political prominence. Despite public scrutiny, they married in 1994. Following Ojukwu’s death in 2011, controversies arose over his will, which left most of his assets to Bianca, leading to disputes among family members.
Analysis of Akpabio as a Scapegoat and Victim of Circumstance against Nigerian national background:
These cases highlight the intricate interplay between personal conduct and public perception in Nigeria’s political sphere. They underscore the importance of ethical behavior and accountability among public figures, as personal indiscretions can significantly impact political careers and public trust. It is interesting to note that, in life while some men outrightly decried hatred for their married spouses openly, outrageously marry the woman which they have sexually harassed or have extramarital affairs with, others like Akpapio reinstates their true love for their wife in the midst of the marital crises to attain enduring future marital bliss. One has seen several versions of these true life stories and should be humbled.
Reading from the famous biblical passage:
John 8:7
“So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, ‘He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.'” (KJV)
This passage is from the story of the woman caught in adultery, where the Pharisees brought her to Jesus, seeking to trap him into condemning her. Instead, Jesus turned the tables on them, challenging them to examine their own sinfulness before judging others.
This phrase, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone,” has become a powerful symbol of:
- Self-reflection: Recognizing our own flaws and weaknesses before judging others.
- Compassion: Showing mercy and understanding towards those who have erred.
- Humility: Acknowledging that we are all imperfect and in need of forgiveness.
Jesus’ words continue to inspire and challenge us today, reminding us to approach others with kindness, empathy, and understanding.
Read More
Michael Enyong’s Alleged Affair
“Nigerian Lawmaker Denies Affair Allegation” – Punch Newspaper (February 2018)
Samuel Ikon’s Misconduct Allegations
“US Ambassador Accuses Nigerian Lawmakers of Sexual Misconduct” – Premium Times (June 2016)
“House of Reps Clears Lawmakers of Sexual Misconduct” – Vanguard (July 2016)
Ehigie Uzamere’s Marriage Controversy
“US Court Summons Nigerian Senator Over Alleged Fake Marriage” – The Guardian Nigeria (May 2009)
Femi Otedola’s Blackmail Incident
“Nigerian Billionaire Exposes Alleged Blackmail Attempt” – ThisDay Live (December 2016)
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s Relationship with Ojukwu
“Bianca and Ojukwu’s Marriage: A Love Story” – Daily Trust (1994)
