Senate’s Image On Line As Sen Natasha Taunts Akpabio
- Says submit yourself for scrutiny
Despite the six-month suspension slammed on the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the war of words between her and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, is certainly not abetting with both Lawmakers not letting off the steam on the sexual harassment saga.
With Senator Akpabio accusing the suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan of traumatising others with her unfounded allegations, the Kogi Senator has fired back saying she is not the first to accuse the Senate President of sexual harassment.
According to her, submitting himself to a formal investigation is the only honourable thing for the Senate President to do, adding such a transparent process was necessary to establish the truth.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who dismissed the Senate President’s claims of innocence, spoke through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, pointing out that a similar allegation of sexual harassment was made against Akpabio by a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Joy Nunieh.
The statement by her Counsel said; “If Akpabio makes such a statement, the question anybody will ask is why are there two allegations of sexual harassment against him? Joy Nunieh made the same allegation, and now it is Natasha. Akpabio should subject himself to investigation”.
Accusing Senator Akpabio of attempting to manipulate Senate proceedings to avoid scrutiny, Giwa further alleged that he is using his position to victimise the Kogi lawmaker for shunning his advances.
The questions to answer are; “Is it true that Natasha has been prevented from participating in international engagements involving senators? Is it true that she has been forced to use her funds for official trips while others have their expenses covered? These are hard facts that need to be addressed”.
Giwa maintained that his client would not back down from her legal battle against the Senate President despite efforts from various stakeholders, including the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Imaan Suleiman.
“She welcomes the involvement of the Women Affairs Minister and others who are trying to mediate. A meeting between them is scheduled for next week,” the Counsel submitted
Natasha Makes Traumatic, “Useless” Allegations – Akpabio Fumes
The Senate President had, at an event to commemorate the 2025 International Women’s Day, claimed that he was the victim of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s “traumatic and useless allegations”.
According to him, previous allegations of sexual harassment levelled against other people by the Kogi Lawmaker had in the past turned out to be false.
Falana Threatens Senators
Meanwhile, against the backdrop of the six months suspension slammed on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Director of Women Empowerment and Legal Aid, Mrs Funmi Falana (SAN) has described the action as a “disgraceful display of power”.
In a statement on Saturday, Falana threatened that if the suspension was not reversed, all serving Senators, who are lawyers, would be dragged before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.
Funmi, who is the wife of Human Rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN), argued that the Senate exhibited gross impunity by suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan without fair hearing.
She said; “By suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan without affording her the opportunity to substantiate the allegation of sexual abuse levelled against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate violated her fundamental right to fair hearing guaranteed by section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.
“Having sworn to comply with the provisions of the Constitution without fear or favour, the gross impunity exhibited by the senators cannot be justified. The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate is a disgraceful display of power.
“On two occasions, the Senate had suspended two of its members – Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and Senator Ali Ndume. On both occasions, the Federal High Court declared the suspensions illegal and unconstitutional.
“In the case of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Federal High Court had restrained the Senate Committee from hearing the complaint against her pending the determination of the motion on notice.
“Since the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot be justified under the Constitution and the Rules of the Senate, the Senate is advised to lift the suspension without any delay.
“Otherwise, the members of the Senate who are lawyers will be dragged to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee by the Women Empowerment and Legal Aid.”
