Chief Paschal Orjiako
Sandra Duru/ Prof Mgbeke: The Scammer -In- Chief Akpabio Fell Prey To
There is a time for everything under the sun, as the psalmist notes in Ecclesiastes. It is indeed time to unmask the Isiala Mbano-born scammer-in-chief, known as Dr. Sandra Duru or Prof. Mgbeke, depending on her audience. To many unsuspecting Nigerians, she presents herself as a human rights advocate and activist. However, to those familiar with her true nature, particularly Ndi Imo, she is a scammer, blackmailer, home destroyer, and psychopath. An Igbo adage aptly describes her: “Anaghi awaru onye ulo ogodo mwuda,” meaning one doesn’t need to wear ground-sweeping robes for family members who already know you well.
Sandra’s fraudulent career began in Imo State, where her victims—including some elites—still recount the damage caused by her blackmail, treachery, and betrayal. Now, she is attempting to revive her waning career by capitalizing on the ongoing feud between Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Akpabio, unfortunately, fell prey to her fabricated resume as an American-based Nigerian businesswoman, media consultant, and information strategist. Hiring her to take on Senator Akpoti is akin to “pouring faeces into water to purify it.” Sandra’s association with Akpabio has already tarnished his hard-earned reputation due to her questionable character.
As late Arthur Nzeribe once said, “A politician needs to be in the news, whether for good reasons or bad; there’s nothing like bad publicity in politics.” Sandra is cashing in on this notion, reveling in media attention and profiting from the situation. Regardless of the outcome between Akpabio and Natasha, she stands to benefit financially.
The issue at hand, however, goes beyond Natasha’s personal reputation. It touches on the pervasive issue of sexual abuse faced by Nigerian women, from transactional sex in tertiary institutions to exploitation in politics. This is why Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Aisha Yesufu, and other respected Nigerian leaders have rallied behind Natasha. Natasha deserves a fair hearing, not bullying. The law is clear: no one should sit in judgment over their own case, and no one is above the law. Akpabio should be held accountable for their actions, and an independent committee should investigate both parties.
The drop in the number of female senators—from five in the 9th Assembly to four in the 10th—highlights the challenges women face in politics. Despite this, women’s rights advocates continue to support Natasha, emphasizing the need for fair representation.
Sandra, as a hireling, has chosen to smear both Natasha and Dr. Ezekwesili. Unlike Sandra’s “wishy-washy” campaigns, Dr. Ezekwesili has an unimpeachable resume. As the saying goes, “A dwarf does not increase his height by reducing the height of a giant.” Sandra’s attempts to drag Dr. Ezekwesili down to her level are futile. Dr. Ezekwesili’s track record of selfless activism, from the #BringBackOurGirls movement, speaks for itself. Sandra, on the other hand, is a psychopath who lives a false life and changes personas to suit her schemes. Her presence in the U.S. may be a self-imposed exile to evade legal consequences in Nigeria.
Sandra’s words about Natasha ironically reflect her own behavior: lacking humility, moral values, and a teachable spirit. Her description of Dr. Ezekwesili as a “useful idiot” reveals her lack of decorum and home training. Evidently, she is a rabble-rouser seeking media attention and financial gain. Both Dr. Ezekwesili and Natasha are accomplished individuals she cannot match, hence her futile attempts to discredit them.
It is also worth noting Sandra’s history of defrauding unsuspecting individuals in Nigeria, including duping the proprietor of her children’s school. It seems Akpabio has indeed “entered one chance,” as the saying goes, “O baala motor ndi ohi.”