Abuja, Nigeria – Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed the sexual harassment allegations leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing them as "useless" and politically motivated. Akpabio made the statement during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, where he addressed the controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The Senate President’s remarks come amid widespread criticism of the Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months after she accused him of sexual harassment. The suspension has sparked outrage, with many Nigerians questioning the Senate’s commitment to justice and gender equality.
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Akpabio’s Defense
Akpabio denied the allegations, stating that they were fabricated to tarnish his reputation and undermine his leadership. He accused Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of using the allegations as a tool to gain political relevance.
“The allegations against me are useless and baseless. They are nothing but a desperate attempt to distract the Senate and the Nigerian public from the important work we are doing,” Akpabio said.
He further claimed that the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was based on her violation of Senate rules and had nothing to do with her allegations.
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Reactions from Nigerians
Akpabio’s comments have been met with mixed reactions. While some of his supporters have backed his claims, others have criticized his dismissal of the allegations as insensitive and dismissive of the broader issue of sexual harassment in Nigeria.
“The Senate President’s response is disappointing. Instead of addressing the issue with the seriousness it deserves, he has chosen to dismiss it outright. This is not the kind of leadership Nigerians expect,” said Aisha Yusuf, a gender rights activist.
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Calls for Independent Investigation
Civil society organizations and gender rights advocates have called for an independent investigation into the allegations. They argue that the Senate’s handling of the matter has further marginalized victims of sexual harassment and discouraged them from speaking out.
“The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan sends a dangerous message to women in Nigeria. It tells them that their voices do not matter and that they will be punished for speaking out against abuse,” said Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Executive Director of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC).
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As the controversy continues to unfold, the allegations against Akpabio and the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan have reignited discussions about gender equality, accountability, and the treatment of women in Nigerian politics.
For now, the Senate President’s dismissal of the allegations has done little to quell the public outcry, with many Nigerians calling for transparency and justice in the matter.