Senate President Godswill Akpabio has strongly denied sexually harassing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing the allegation as spurious and completely false.
Akpabio, speaking at the Senate on Monday, said he has deep respect for women, shaped by being raised by a single mother and as a father to four daughters. He added that as a former governor, he was even recognised as “Nigeria’s Most Gender-Friendly Governor.”
“I have never, at any time, harassed Senator Natasha—or any woman, for that matter,” Akpabio said. “These claims are false, and I trust the courts to handle the matter.”
Senate Panel Dismisses Natasha’s Petition
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has dismissed the petition Natasha personally submitted, citing procedural violations.
According to the committee, senators are not allowed to submit petitions they signed themselves. Also, the committee noted that since the matter is already in court, the Senate has no business handling it further.
Drama and Protests at the National Assembly
The petition submission itself was dramatic. Natasha, accompanied by her husband, arrived at the chamber where her petition was tabled in front of a visiting delegation of UK parliamentarians, including MP Kate Osamor.
Despite opposition from Senate leaders, Akpabio allowed the petition to go to the ethics panel—only for the committee to throw it out the very next day.
Outside the National Assembly, protesters supporting Natasha tried to stage a demonstration but were dispersed with tear gas by plainclothes security operatives.
What’s Behind the Clash?
The bad blood between Akpabio and Natasha stems partly from a controversial seat reallocation within the chamber, which Natasha protested publicly. This led to the ethics committee summoning her for alleged misconduct during plenary.
Natasha refused to appear, citing a court order restraining the Senate from probing her. The ethics committee ignored the order, claiming the judiciary has no authority over internal legislative affairs.
Ekiti Senator Denies Sexual Misconduct Claim Against Fayemi
In the midst of the drama, Senator Cyril Fasuyi from Ekiti distanced himself from reports that Natasha had accused former Governor Kayode Fayemi of sexual harassment.
Fasuyi clarified that his real complaint was about Natasha making false claims about Ajaokuta Steel Company, not any personal misconduct allegations.
Kogi Group Apologises to Akpabio
Interestingly, a group called Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders publicly apologised to Akpabio, saying Natasha’s actions do not represent their district.
The Bottom Line
Between court cases, political power plays, protests, and parliamentary drama, the Akpabio-Natasha feud has morphed into a full-blown political showdown.
With both sides digging in, this battle is far from over.
