The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has strongly denied the sexual harassment allegations made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi), urging Nigerians to uphold due process.
Speaking at the Senate’s plenary session on Wednesday, Akpabio dismissed the claims as unfounded and emphasized that he has never harassed any woman.
“I have never, and will never, engage in the alleged sexual harassment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman. Such actions are completely against my character and values,” he stated.
The controversy erupted on February 20 when Akpoti-Uduaghan objected to the reallocation of her Senate chamber seat without prior notice. The issue was later assigned to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for investigation, with a two-week deadline to submit its report.
Akpoti-Uduaghan later claimed on a television program that her seat reassignment was connected to her refusal of inappropriate advances from Akpabio. The allegation quickly spread on social media, igniting public debate.
Akpabio, however, urged restraint, cautioning against premature conclusions.
“These matters are already in court. I call on all Nigerians, especially the media, to allow the legal process to unfold and not jump to conclusions based on mere allegations,” he said.
He further defended his record, highlighting his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015.
“If you wish to know, I was recognized as the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria,” he added.
