Akpabio/ Natasha /Unoma My Stand. Part one

By Dr. Jarlath Uche Opara Jarlathuche@gmail.com

Two birds of same feathers. Lawyers, legislators, fine faces, substantially good brain, socialites, with a family tie to seal it. They understand themselves better, flying on same altitude, operating on same frequency, cruising life at a level where mere mortals of low means dread to go.

Full of fallacies, intrigues and manipulations. It is a game played up there, none at such level now or before would deny such game, however there could be exception which makes the rule.

I have watched the clip of Sen. Natasha’ alleged accusations severally, of a truth, yet to see clearly where Akpabio harrassed her sexually. This isn’t to say that Sen. Akpabio isn’t capable of such harassment, he is just like any other person with flesh, whose heart isn’t broken, converted and saved. Flesh is a bitch and can act in an awkward way.
What is sexual harassment? For clarity and avoidance of doubt it is a *behaviour characterized by the making of unwelcome and inappropriate sexual remarks or physical advances in a workplace or other professional or social situation*.

There could be further meaning and definition to what sexual harassment is. For the purposes of this discussion, I crave your indulge to limit the meaning of what sexual harassment is to the above definition.

Back to the video clip that opened up what many taged an infamous worm, I have watched it severally and the two things that stood out are 1) What happened in Sen Akpabio’ House in Uyo. He held her hand, she was comfortable as a married woman before her husband. He showed her around his rooms while the husband was dragging behind. It wasn’t an issue, she was comfortable, a married woman. He hastened his steps, still she remained comfortable without dragging her feet for the husband to catch up. Sudenly she got stung by what exactly? “Now that you are a Senator , I will create time for us to have quality time here”. What is quality time? Does it suggest sexual harassment by connotation or denotation?

Secondly, she went to his house looking for favour for her bill to be approved. He said to her, “you know that I am the presiding officer, you have a lot to enjoy if you make me happy”. Again what is making someone happy means? Denotatively or connotatively?

I know of someone who would always tell people regardless of gender to show her love. Would such suggest sexual harassment?

On Sen. Akpabio, why would he hold someone’ wife such closely before the husband? Since she is a family friend, what happened to your wife? So busy running around, she wouldn’t have taken out few minutes to show her around? I know you are such a jovial dude with an amazing latitude with words without undue attachment of emotions to them. But then what is it about you and married women? You accused her of wearing revealing dresses and having pancake on her face.. Very demeaning and condescending if you ask me. You are the number 3 person in Nigeria, holding and occupying such a prestigious position, your carriage and conduct should at worse case scenario very dignifying, with no stain and reproach. Two of you ( Akpabio and Natasha) are using the logical tools of Argumentum ad hominem and Argumentum ad Populum on each other.I under stand that perfectly well, if it continues, the journey down the slopes very risky. To be continued…