Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has firmly denied allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Akpabio addressed the allegations on Wednesday as plenary resumed in the Senate after a one-week recess.
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Responding to the claims, Akpabio dismissed the allegations, stating, “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.”
The Senate President, who mentioned that he had been inundated with calls since February 25 regarding the matter, urged Nigerians, the media, and social media users to avoid jumping to conclusions and instead await the court’s decision.
However, immediately following Akpabio’s remarks, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan raised a petition under Order 40 of the Senate rules, accusing the Senate President of sexual harassment and abuse of office. She sought permission to formally present the petition to the chamber.
In response, the Senate referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, directing it to review the matter as soon as possible.
The controversy, which has been brewing since February, was initially sparked by a dispute over seat arrangements, which escalated into a confrontation between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio.
The disagreement over seating assignments led to the allegations of sexual harassment and has fueled growing tensions within the Senate, raising concerns about the conduct and decorum of the legislative body.
Amidst the ongoing controversy, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the Senate Chamber on Wednesday with her husband. In a brief but affectionate moment, the couple shared a kiss before she proceeded into the chamber to take her seat.
The Kogi State senator took her place in her newly assigned seat, but notably, she remained seated when Senate President Akpabio entered for the commencement of plenary—a deviation from the usual protocol where senators stand in respect for the presiding officer.
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