Ola Akinwunmi
In a recent development that has stirred the Nigerian political landscape, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has been accused of sexual harassment by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central. The allegations, which have garnered widespread attention, have been firmly denied by Akpabio and his representatives.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, during an interview with Arise Television, recounted an incident from December 2023. She claimed that during a visit to Akpabio’s residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the Senate President made inappropriate advances towards her. She alleged that Akpabio suggested she could “enjoy a whole lot” if she “took care” of him, implying that her legislative motions would receive favorable consideration in return.
Responding to these allegations, Akpabio’s media consultant, Kenny Okolugbo, dismissed the claims as baseless, labeling them as “tissues of lies.” He suggested that the senator’s outburst stemmed from her removal as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content.
Furthermore, Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President, has come to her husband’s defense. She described the allegations as unfounded and a figment of wild imagination. Mrs. Akpabio emphasized her husband’s disciplined nature and respect for women, citing his longstanding support for women’s inclusion in governance. She also threatened legal action against Akpoti-Uduaghan over the allegations.
The gravity of the allegations has prompted calls for a thorough investigation. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emphasized the need for a credible and impartial probe to uphold the integrity of the Nigerian Senate. He stated that such allegations should not be dismissed and must be handled with utmost diligence.
This is not the first time Akpabio has faced such accusations. In 2020, Joy Nunieh, the former acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, claiming she had slapped him in response to his advances. Akpabio denied those allegations, describing them as “false, malicious, and libelous.”
Furthermore, In October 2021, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused another public figure, Reno Omokri of making inappropriate advances toward her during a state banquet for Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on May 6, 2014. Omokri denied the allegations, presenting evidence that he was not in Nigeria at that time, including travel documents and immigration stamps. He also offered a $50,000 reward for anyone who could provide photographic or video proof of his presence at the event. Subsequently,Akpoti-Uduaghan deleted her social media posts regarding the accusation.
Deputy Chief Whip, Onyekachi Nwebonyi has dismissed Akpoti’s latest allegations against the Senate President as “reckless and false,” citing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s history of making similar accusations against prominent individuals, including Omokri.
The allegations have elicited varied reactions from the public and civil society organizations. Some legal practitioners have demanded an urgent probe into the matter, emphasizing the need to address such serious accusations promptly. Gender rights advocates have also called for decisive action to ensure a safe and supportive environment for female legislators.
As the situation unfolds, the Nigerian Senate faces increased scrutiny, with many awaiting the outcomes of any investigations to uphold the principles of justice and accountability within the nation’s legislative framework.
