Senate President Godswill Akpabio has denied allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central district.
Featuring on Arise News’ Morning Show last Friday, Akpoti-Uduaghan had alleged that she has been maligned, victimised, and denied privileges because she refused an inappropriate relationship with Akpabio.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said that Akpabio had been making unwelcome advances toward her. She accused Akpabio of blocking her motion because she refused to engage in an inappropriate affair with him.
During the Senate’s plenary session on Wednesday after a one-week break, Akpabio said: ‘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’.
Akpabio said he had been receiving calls about the matter since 25 February, and was aware of the discussions on social media.
He urged Nigerians and the media to avoid making conclusions, asking them to wait for the court’s decision.
Shortly after his comments, Akpoti-Uduaghan raised a petition under Order 40, accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office.
She asked to officially submit the petition to the Senate.
The Senate referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for further investigation.
The controversy started last month when a seat rearrangement led to a clash between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio.
The disagreement has created tension in the Senate, raising concerns about proper conduct among lawmakers.
On Wednesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan sat in her new seat but refused to stand when Akpabio entered the chamber — a break from the usual tradition of showing respect to the presiding officer.
