Senate President Godswill Akpabio has vehemently denied allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing the claims as baseless and unfounded. The denial came during Wednesday’s plenary session, following a one-week break, as tensions between the two lawmakers continued to escalate.
Akpabio, addressing the Senate, stated, “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.” He revealed that he had been inundated with calls about the allegations since February 25 and was aware of the widespread discussions on social media.
Urging restraint, Akpabio called on Nigerians and the media to avoid making premature conclusions and to allow the legal process to take its course. “I urge everyone to wait for the court’s decision,” he said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan Submits Formal Petition
Shortly after Akpabio’s remarks, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, raised a petition under Order 40 of the Senate Rules, formally accusing the Senate President of sexual harassment and abuse of office. She requested permission to officially submit the petition to the Senate for consideration.
In response, the Senate referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for further investigation. The committee is expected to review the allegations and determine the appropriate course of action.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy began in February when a seat rearrangement in the Senate led to a clash between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio. The disagreement has since created tension within the chamber, raising concerns about proper conduct and decorum among lawmakers.
During Wednesday’s plenary, Akpoti-Uduaghan sat in her newly assigned seat but notably refused to stand when Akpabio entered the chamber-a break from the traditional practice of showing respect to the presiding officer. This act further highlighted the strained relationship between the two.
Implications for the Senate
The allegations and subsequent petition have cast a shadow over the Senate, with many Nigerians closely watching how the upper legislative chamber handles the matter. The referral to the Ethics Committee underscores the Senate’s commitment to addressing issues of misconduct and upholding ethical standards among its members.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus will be on ensuring a fair and transparent process that respects the rights of all parties involved. The outcome of the committee’s review could have significant implications for the Senate’s reputation and its ability to maintain order and integrity within its ranks.
For now, the Senate has urged calm and restraint, emphasizing the importance of due process in resolving the allegations. The situation remains fluid, with stakeholders awaiting the findings of the Ethics Committee and the potential impact on the Senate’s leadership and operations.