The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, have continued exchanging words over the crisis at the Senate triggered by the suspension of the Kogi lawmaker.
While Akpabio accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of traumatising others with unfounded allegations, the Kogi lawmaker said she was not the first to accuse the Senate President of sexual harassment, urging him to submit to an investigation.
The disagreement between the two lawmakers became a public spectacle two weeks ago when, during plenary, Akpoti-Uduaghan rejected the relocation of her seat.
She also told the Senate President that she was not scared of him.
Although Akpabio tried to downplay the severity of the matter, the Kogi lawmaker featured in a live television programme the next morning where she accused him of sexual harassment.
Last week, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following a recommendation by its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.
She was suspended for six months as many rights groups and activists condemned the decision and called for fair hearing.
Natasha fond of traumatic, “useless” allegations – Akpabio
Akpabio, at an event to commemorate the International Women’s Day, claimed to be Akpoti-Uduaghan’s victim.
He noted that previous allegations of sexual harassment levelled against others by the senator had turned out to be false.
He said, “It was only yesterday I realised that what we are talking about only happened when there was a change of seat. That was when all hell was let loose and all sorts of allegations came up. Only after the change of seat and change of committee, which my senators know happen from time to time.
“This was said to have happened on the 8th of December, a day before my birthday, which was celebrated in the stadium in 2023. So, from the 8th of December 2023, I never heard, my wife never heard, no Nigerian ever heard, even the husband never heard any issue of sexual harassment until her committee was changed, and her seat was changed.
“Have you ever wondered about the trauma caused by that same woman on the other people she has accused in the past? None has been proved so far. Do you even wonder the trauma this caused to the 10th Senate and the image of the Senate with all these useless allegations? I have refrained from making a statement.
“Look at these beautiful women. They have come across me so many times. Have I ever harassed any one of you? Or is the person thinking that you are not beautiful?”
Akpoti-Uduaghan fires back
Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the claims by the Senate President, insisting that a formal investigation was necessary to establish the truth.
The senator, while speaking through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, also pointed out that a similar allegation of sexual harassment was made against Akpabio by a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Joy Nunieh.
“If Akpabio makes such a statement, the question anybody will ask is why are there two allegations of sexual harassment against him? Joy Nunieh made the same allegation, and now it is Natasha. Akpabio should subject himself to investigation,” he stated.
Giwa said Akpabio was attempting to manipulate Senate proceedings to avoid scrutiny.
He further alleged that Akpabio was using his position to victimise the lawmaker following her refusal to yield to his advances.
“Is it true that Natasha has been prevented from participating in international engagements involving senators? Is it true that she has been forced to use her funds for official trips while others have their expenses covered? These are hard facts that need to be addressed,” he said.
Giwa also maintained that his client would not back down from her legal battle against the Senate President despite efforts from various stakeholders, including the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Imaan Suleiman.
“She welcomes the involvement of the Women Affairs Minister and others who are trying to mediate. A meeting between them is scheduled for next week,” he said.
Why we suspended Kogi lawmaker – Senate
The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, on Saturday, clarified that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and not for the sexual harassment allegation she levelled against Akpabio.
Bamidele, in a statement, said there were deliberate false narratives being circulated by some media organisations on the matter.
He said, “If Senator Uduaghan had strictly followed our guiding principles, the Senate would have treated her petition based on merit in line with its practice. But she never obeyed the established practices of the institution where she was serving.”
He further said the Kogi lawmaker’s suspension was a decision of the committee of the whole Senate following the submission of a report by the chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imaseun.
“The report found her guilty of violating sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Rules and recommended her immediate suspension.
“The disciplinary action was a response to her repeated violations of legislative decorum, including: One, for refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary on 25th February 2025, despite multiple pleas from the Minority Leader and other ranking Senators—an act of open defiance and disorderly conduct.
“Two, for speaking without being recognised by the presiding officer in clear violation of parliamentary practices and procedures on 25th February 2025.
“Three, for engaging in unruly and disruptive behaviour, obstructing the orderly conduct of Senate proceedings.
“For making abusive and disrespectful remarks against the leadership of the Senate.
“Five, defying and refusing to comply with the summons of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges mandated to investigate cases of misconduct.”
Bamidele urged the public and the media to disregard false reports suggesting otherwise and to always seek the truth before spreading politically motivated narratives. (Punch)
