Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central senatorial district on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, formally presented before the Senate a petition documenting details of her sexual harassment allegation against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.
Standing on Order 40 of the Senate Standing Rules to actualise her official presentation, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan officially tabled details of her allegation shortly after Akpabio’s opening remarks on resumption of plenary.
Curiously, Akpabio had denied the allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by Natasha, insisting that he had never harassed any woman in his life.
Akpabio while dismissing the claims, said his respect for women accorded him recognition in the past as Nigeria’s most gender-friendly governor.
According to him; “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”.
Akpabio therefore urged Nigerians, particularly the media, and social media users to allow due process to take its course rather than making premature conclusions.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had immediately after Akpabio’s remarks, raised Order 40 of the Senate Standing Rules and as soon as she was recognised by Akpabio, the outspoken female legislator, pointedly accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office.
She then requested the permission of the Senate to lay her petition before the Senate.
In spite of some attempts by some senators to distract her and stop her from formally laying her petition, the Kogi born Senator refused to be cowed from exercising her rights and privileges.
Thereafter, the Senate referred her petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for a detailed review.
The committee was subsequently directed to investigate the matter thoroughly and report its findings.
The controversy stems from a heated confrontation in February over a seat rearrangement in the Senate chamber.
The incident, which initially appeared to be a minor dispute, has since escalated into a serious issue, heightening tensions within and outside the National Assembly.
