PeakNews Online
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended himself against allegations of sexual harassment leveled by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central), who was recently suspended by the Senate for six months.
Akpabio, speaking at an event commemorating International Women’s Day on Saturday, insisted that none of Natasha’s claims were true, accusing her of causing distress to him and others with baseless allegations.
His comments come amid widespread criticism of the Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan. Prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, have condemned the move, warning against creating a hostile political environment for women.
Akpabio Defends Senate’s Actions
Akpabio dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, suggesting they only surfaced after Natasha was removed from her previous Senate committee and reassigned a new seat.
“It is only yesterday that I realised that all these allegations emerged after a change of seat and committee, which happens regularly in the Senate. This alleged incident supposedly happened on December 8, 2023—a day before my birthday. From then until recently, no one, including my wife or even her husband, ever heard anything about this until her committee was changed,” he stated.
The Senate President further accused Natasha of a pattern of making false accusations, arguing that none of her previous claims had been substantiated.
“Have you ever considered the trauma caused by this same woman to those she has accused in the past? None of these allegations have been proven. Do you also consider the damage this has done to the image of the 10th Senate?” he asked.
Women Lawmakers React
Akpabio also addressed the female senators present at the event, asking if any of them had experienced harassment from him.
“Look at these beautiful women here. They have come across me several times. Have I ever harassed any of you? Or is the accuser suggesting that you are not beautiful?” he remarked.
Despite his defense, the controversy surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension continues to generate debate, with opposition parties and civil society groups calling for a review of the Senate’s handling of the matter.
Joe
