Akpabio denies sexual harassment allegations, asks public to await court’s verdict

• Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uguaghan had levelled the allegations against the Senate President in February.
• The female lawmaker previously clashed with Akpabio on February 20 over seat arrangements and was referred to the disciplinary committee.
• On February 25, she filed a N100 billion defamation lawsuit against the senate president.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has denied claims of sexual misconduct levelled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

He addressed these accusations on Wednesday as the Senate reconvened for plenary following a one-week break.

Dismissing the claims, Senator Akpabio stated, “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, who mentioned receiving numerous calls regarding the issue since February 25 and acknowledging widespread discussions on social media, called on Nigerians, journalists, and online commentators to avoid making assumptions and instead wait for the court’s ruling on the matter.

However, immediately following his response, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan submitted a petition under Order 40, accusing the Senate President of sexual misconduct and misuse of authority.

She sought approval to approach the floor and formally present the petition before the legislative chamber.

The Senate then assigned the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, instructing it to examine the issue promptly.

In February, the Senate faced turmoil when a seat reassignment escalated into a confrontation between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President.

The seat dispute intensified tensions within the Senate, leading to the sexual harassment allegation by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and sparking fresh debates on conduct within the legislative arm.

On Wednesday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the Senate Chamber alongside her husband amid the ongoing controversy.

In a brief yet affectionate display, the Senator exchanged a kiss with her husband before heading into the chamber to take her seat.

The Kogi State senator assumed her newly designated seat but chose not to stand upon the arrival of Senate President Godswill Akpabio for the start of plenary, breaking from the traditional gesture of respect toward the presiding officer.