By Abiola Olawale
The Nigerian Senate was further thrust into controversy on Wednesday as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District of Kogi State at the Senate, formally submitted a petition accusing the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
The submission took place during the resumption of plenary at the National Assembly in Abuja, following a week-long recess, intensifying an ongoing dispute between the two lawmakers.
Rising under Order 40 of the Senate Rules, Natasha addressed the chamber, referencing statements she had previously made during an interview on Arise TV.
In that interview, she alleged that her troubles in the Senate began after she rejected sexual advances from Akpabio during a visit to his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on December 8, 2023. She claimed the incident marked the beginning of a pattern of victimization, including the controversial reassignment of her seat in the Senate chamber.
Speaking on Wednesday, Natasha said: “I had earlier spoken on Arise TV about issues concerning sexual harassment by the Senate President, and I have now decided to formally present it as a petition before this chamber.”
Akpabio, presiding over the session, permitted her to proceed with the submission.
The petition was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for a thorough review, with instructions to report back as soon as practicable.
Earlier in the plenary, Akpabio addressed the allegations, firmly denying any wrongdoing. “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,” he stated, referencing his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State.
He urged Nigerians, the media, and social media users to refrain from premature conclusions and allow the legal process to unfold, noting that he had been inundated with calls since the allegations surfaced on February 25.
