Senate President Godswill Akpabio has refuted allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
He addressed the accusations on Wednesday during the Senate’s plenary session, following a week-long recess.
Dismissing the allegations, Senator Akpabio said, “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, Godswill Akpabio, addressed allegations of sexual harassment raised against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating that he had been inundated with calls since February 25 and was aware of the growing social media discussions. He urged Nigerians, the media, and social media users to withhold judgment and allow the court to resolve the matter.
Following his remarks, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan raised a petition under Order 40, accusing the Senate President of sexual harassment and abuse of office. She sought permission to formally present the petition before the chamber.
The Senate referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for a thorough review and requested an expedited report on the matter.
The controversy dates back to February, when a dispute over seat rearrangement escalated into a confrontation between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio, sparking tensions within the Senate and culminating in the harassment allegations. The incident has raised questions about decorum and conduct within the legislative body.
On Wednesday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the Senate Chamber accompanied by her husband, sharing a brief but affectionate moment with him before proceeding to her seat. Once seated in her newly assigned position, she notably declined to stand when the Senate President entered the chamber to commence plenary, deviating from the customary gesture of respect for the presiding officer.