“Useless allegations”: Akpabio finally speaks on sexual harassment scandal

• Akpabio stated Natasha has a history of falsely accusing people of sexual harassment and he is merely her latest victim

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has finally broken his silence on the sexual harassment allegation levelled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Recall that Senator Natasha, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate for six months after accusing Akpabio of persecuting and victimizing her for rejecting his amorous advances.

Her suspension has been greeted by outrage with many describing it as inappropriate, unjust, and heavy-handed.

Akpabio had also come under fire following the sanction handed out to the lawmaker, with many saying he is using his position to sweep the matter under carpet.

Influential figures like Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, warned the Senate against making the political atmosphere toxic for women.

But speaking on the controversy, Akpabio debunked Natasha’s allegations, adding that the scandal has traumatised him and others.

He denied the allegations while speaking at an event to commemorate International Women’s Day.

Akpabio stated Natasha has a history of falsely accusing people of sexual harassment and he is merely her latest victim.

He said, ‘’It is only yesterday that I realised that what we are talking about only happened when there was a change of seat. That is when hell was let loose, and all sorts of allegations came up, only after the change of seat and change of committee, which my Senators know to happen from time to time.

“This is said to have happened on December 8, a day before my birthday, which was celebrated in the Stadium in 2023. So from the 8th of December 2023, I never heard, my wife never heard, no Nigerian ever heard, even the husband never heard any issue of sexual harassment until her committee was changed and then her seat was changed.

“Have you ever wondered about the trauma caused by that same woman on the other people she has accused in the past? None has been proven so far. Do you even wonder about the trauma this caused to the 10th Senate and the image of the Senate with all these useless allegations? I have refrained myself from making a statement.

“Look at these beautiful women. They have come across me so many times. Have I ever harassed any one of you? Or is the person thinking that you are not beautiful?”