The simmering conflict between suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio took another turn as the senator vowed to pursue her sexual harassment allegations in court, refusing to retract her claims despite mounting pressure from Akpabio's legal team. The fiery exchange highlights a case fraught with political intrigue, legal maneuvering, and deeply personal accusations that have captivated the Nigerian public.
The drama intensified when Olisa Agbakoba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and lead counsel for Akpabio, publicly called on Akpoti-Uduaghan to retract her "clearly false and unsubstantiated" allegations. In a press conference held in Lagos, Agbakoba revealed that he had sent two letters to the suspended senator, dated April 14 and April 22, seeking clarification on what he termed "significant inconsistencies" in her accusations. Central to Agbakoba's argument was the alleged contradiction between Akpoti-Uduaghan's claim of harassment on December 8, 2023, and her subsequent social media post the very next day, seemingly praising Akpabio. Agbakoba presented screenshots of the post, which Akpoti-Uduaghan has since deleted, suggesting that her actions undermined her credibility. He also questioned the 14-month delay between the alleged incident and her public revelation. "During this period, you were seen with Senator Akpabio at several legislative and non-legislative functions, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union session in Geneva on 24 and 25 March 2024, where you took selfies and group photos with him, which were posted warmly on your social media pages," Agbakoba stated, further emphasizing the perceived inconsistencies.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, has remained steadfast, dismissing Agbakoba's demands and insisting that she would only present her evidence in a court of law. In a strongly worded letter addressed to Agbakoba, the embattled senator accused Akpabio's legal team of orchestrating a media campaign to discredit her and preempt the legal proceedings. She highlighted the hypocrisy of invoking the sub judice rule to prevent a Senate inquiry while simultaneously engaging in public commentary on the matter1. She reaffirmed her commitment to her sexual harassment complaint, originally filed on February 28, and vowed to pursue full legal redress both in Nigeria and internationally.
The senator's legal team echoed her sentiments, arguing that demanding evidence outside of court misconstrues the nature of sexual harassment and attempts to relegate the matter. They maintained that the assessment of evidence is the sole prerogative of the court.
Adding another layer to the saga, Akpoti-Uduaghan published a satirical "apology" letter to Akpabio on social media shortly before Agbakoba's press conference. The sarcastic post, laced with sharp critique, targeted what she described as the culture of entitlement, impropriety, and unmerited advancement within the Senate.
This is not the first time Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken her allegations to a larger stage. In March, she presented an affidavit to the Senate Ethics Committee, detailing an alleged incident that occurred at Akpabio's residence in Akwa Ibom State on December 8, 2023. According to the affidavit, Akpabio made inappropriate sexual advances toward her while giving her a tour of his house, even suggesting a "quality moment together" while her husband was nearby. She has also taken her case to the United Nations, alleging sexual harassment and political victimization, and claiming that her subsequent six-month suspension from the Senate was a direct result of her accusations against Akpabio.
The Senate Committee on Ethics has recommended a six-month suspension for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for allegedly disrespecting the institution and advised her to tender a formal apology to the Senate. The committee also suggested the withdrawal of her salary and security details for the duration of the suspension.
As Akpoti-Uduaghan prepares to battle Akpabio in court, the case promises to be a landmark moment for Nigerian jurisprudence and a test of the nation's commitment to addressing sexual harassment, regardless of the political power at play. The eyes of the nation, and perhaps the world, will be watching.
