Senate President, Godswill Akpabio Finally Reacts To Sexual Harassment Allegations As Senator Natasha Akpoti Files Petition Against Him At Plenary
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has reacted to the sexual harassment allegations levelled against him by the lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Speaking at the resumption of plenary on Wednesday, after a week-long recess, Akpabio dismissed the claims, describing them as unfounded and baseless.
He insisted that he was raised well by his late mother and has always upheld respect for women.
“At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised very well by my late single mother, and I have always upheld respect for women. I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria,”
he stated.
Akpabio further revealed that since February 25, he had been inundated with calls regarding the allegation, adding that he was aware of the heated discussions on social media.
He, however, urged Nigerians, the media, and social media users to avoid jumping to conclusions and instead allow due process to take its course in court.
Meanwhile, today, March 5, Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Senator representing Kogi Central senatorial district, tendered a petition before the Senate at plenary accusing the Senate President of sexual harassment.
Rising under Order 40 of the Senate Rules, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said she had made some comments on Arise News Channel breakfast show concerning alleged sexual harassment by Akpabio, and had decided to formally table same as a petition before the Senate.
Akpabio, who was presiding over the session, thereafter, asked the Senator Natasha to proceed with the submission of the petition, which she did.
It all started last week Thursday when senator Natasha and Akpabio had a faceoff in the Senate chamber over seating arrangement.
During her outburst to the Senate President, Natasha accused him of maligning her and that she will not be silenced by him.
In a recent interview with Arise TV on February 28, Natasha alleged that Akpabio blocked her motions from being heard on the floor of the Senate because she rejected his advances.
The Kogi lawmaker added that by rejecting Apkabio’s sexual advances, she was subjected to persistent harassment and malignment in his home in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, and his office.
Senator Natasha who is married to a Delta State-born billionaire businessman, said her issue with Akpabio began in December 2023 during an official visit to Akpabio’s native Akwa Ibom State.
Natasha alleged that the Senate President used the opportunity to invite her and her husband to tour his private house in Uyo, the state capital.
She stated that it was during the tour of the magnificent building that Akpabio told her that he could create a space for them both in the building to have fun.