Renowned Nigerian actress Kate Henshaw has expressed support for Senator Natasha Akpoti, praising her courage amidst an ongoing dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The controversy began on February 20, 2025, when the two senators clashed during a plenary session over seating arrangements. Following the altercation, the Senate referred Natasha to its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for alleged disorderly conduct.
In an interview on Arise Television, Akpoti claimed that Akpabio was targeting her because she had rejected his sexual advances. She escalated the matter on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, by officially submitting a sexual harassment petition against the Senate President during plenary.
Reacting to the situation, Kate Henshaw took to Instagram to applaud Akpoti for standing firm against what she described as outdated societal narratives that undermine women’s roles and contributions.
Sharing a photo of Akpoti, Henshaw declared the senator her “Woman Crush Wednesday” (WCW) and emphasized the strength and resilience of women throughout history.
She wrote:
“We forget so readily how far we have come. We forget our lineage, history, and strength. We are told we are weak, spineless, and incapable of thinking for ourselves. We accept the roles imposed on us by religion, society, and tradition. They tell us we can’t govern, rule, or make our own decisions. They tell us to shut up and sit down. Women, like children, are to be seen and not heard. But do you not know that in nearly all species, the female is much more deadly than the male? We are the offspring of countless women warriors!”
Henshaw’s support adds to the growing reactions surrounding the Senate clash, as political and social groups weigh in on the allegations against Akpabio. Meanwhile, the Senate Ethics Committee is expected to review Akpoti’s petition in the coming days.