Natasha’s “useless” sexual harassment allegation traumatised me, says Senate-Akpabio
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stated that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegation has traumatized him and the Senate as a whole.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months by the Senate on Thursday due to alleged misconduct and violations of relevant standing orders. She called the suspension an injustice and vowed that it would not stand.
Akpabio referred to the allegation as “useless,” suggesting that it was triggered by a change in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat within the Senate and her reassignment to another committee. He claimed that her accusations have caused trauma not only to him but also to other Senators.
During an event commemorating International Women’s Day in Abuja, Akpabio defended himself and implied that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims were motivated by these changes.
He stated, “It was only yesterday that I realized that what we are discussing occurred only after there was a change of seat. That is when all sorts of allegations surfaced—only after the change of seat and the change of committee, which my fellow Senators know happens from time to time.”
He further elaborated on the timeline, saying, “This incident allegedly happened on December 8, just a day before my birthday, which we celebrated in the stadium in 2023. From December 8, 2023, neither I nor my wife, and no one in Nigeria, had heard of any claim of sexual harassment until her committee and seat were changed.”
Akpabio also questioned the legitimacy of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations, pointing out that none of her previous accusations had been substantiated.
“Have you ever considered the trauma caused to others she has accused in the past? None of those allegations have been proven so far. Have you thought about the trauma her claims have caused the 10th Senate and the damage to the Senate’s image with these baseless allegations? I have refrained from making a statement on this matter,” he added.
While addressing the audience at the event, Akpabio referred to the women present and remarked, “Look at these beautiful women. They have encountered me many times. Have I ever harassed any one of you? Or is it that you believe you are not beautiful?” Read More
