Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly, has affirmed that she will present evidence to support her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Akpoti-Uduaghan stated:
“At the right time and at the right space, I will present the evidence that I have (against Akpabio).”
Her statement comes in the wake of a heated controversy stemming from her suspension on March 6, which was attributed to “gross misconduct” during a dispute over Senate seating arrangements.
Following the suspension, the senator accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances during a private visit to his home in Akwa Ibom on December 8, 2023. According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Senate President allegedly implied she needed to “take care” of him in order to secure favorable treatment in the Red Chamber.
Akpabio denied the allegations on March 5, stating:
“At no time did I ever attempt any sexual harassment on the said distinguished senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman for that matter.”
“I and my siblings were raised very well by my late single mother, who died in 2000, through very difficult times. And I therefore have the highest regard for women.”
Meanwhile, Akpabio’s wife, Ekaette Akpabio, has filed multiple defamation lawsuits against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan concerning her remarks about the Senate President.
During the same interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan also addressed her earlier allegations of death threats, daring Akpabio to take legal action against her over the claims:
“I am hearing that the Senate President wants to sue me for that; I will tell him to go ahead. We will meet and cross that bridge.”
When pressed to provide evidence, she replied, “Let us get to that bridge.”
This political standoff continues to raise tensions within the Senate, with many Nigerians calling for a transparent investigation into the allegations.
