Senate President Godswill Akpabio has vehemently denied the allegations of sexual harassment brought against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The Senate President addressed the issue on Wednesday, during the resumption of plenary following a one-week recess, dismissing the claims as baseless.
“I have never harassed any woman,” Akpabio stated. “I was raised by my late single mother with values of respect for women, and I have always upheld that respect. I was even honored as the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria.” He further urged Nigerians, the media, and social media users to withhold judgment and allow the courts to determine the matter.
Despite Akpabio’s dismissal of the allegations, Akpoti-Uduaghan raised a petition under Order 40 shortly after his remarks, formally accusing the Senate President of sexual harassment and abuse of office. She requested permission to step forward and present her petition to the chamber, a request that was granted. The Senate referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for a thorough review.
The tensions between the two lawmakers began in February over a seating dispute, which quickly escalated into a public confrontation. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations of sexual harassment followed, adding to the growing discord within the Senate and raising concerns about the conduct and decorum in the legislative body.
Amid the controversy, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made her return to the Senate on Wednesday, accompanied by her husband. The couple shared a brief, affectionate moment before she entered the chamber to take her seat. However, when Senate President Akpabio arrived for the commencement of plenary, Akpoti-Uduaghan deviated from the customary gesture of standing to show respect for the presiding officer, signaling further strain in their relationship.
The Senate is now tasked with addressing the serious allegations as the Ethics Committee begins its investigation.
