Senate President Godswill Akpabio has vehemently denied allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central. Akpabio addressed the Senate on Wednesday, March 5, following the formal submission of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment petition during plenary.
The former governor of Akwa Ibom state dismissed the allegations as false, asserting that he had never engaged in any inappropriate behaviour towards Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman.
“At no time did I ever attempt any sexual harassment on the said distinguished Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman for that matter,” Akpabio stated.
He went on to emphasise the values instilled in him by his late mother, describing how he and his siblings were raised through difficult circumstances with the utmost respect for women.
“I have four beautiful daughters. At no time would I ever harass any woman, and I have never done so, Even as a state governor, I won several awards, including the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria.” Akpabio added.
Akpabio thanked his colleagues and fellow Nigerians for their messages of support and solidarity, expressing confidence that he would be vindicated.
He urged the media and social media users to await the decision of the courts before drawing any conclusions.
“I urge all Nigerians, particularly the media, and members of the social media, to await the court’s decision. Please, do not jump to conclusions on matters of mere allegation. The Almighty God will step in to vindicate the just,” he said.
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The allegations came to the fore after a heated confrontation between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan on February 20 over seating arrangements in the Senate.
The incident led to Akpoti-Uduaghan being referred to the Senate’s disciplinary committee.
On February 25, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a N100 billion defamation lawsuit against the Senate President.
Additionally, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order restraining the Senate from commencing disciplinary hearings against the Kogi lawmaker until further notice.
As the legal battle continues, both sides are bracing for a lengthy and high-profile dispute that could have significant implications for the National Assembly.
