By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), representing Kogi Central, has accused Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment. The explosive claims, which have since dominated the media, were made by the lawmaker during an interview on ARISE TV on Friday.
The issue reportedly began after a heated argument between the Kogi Senator and Akpabio, following her discovery that her parliamentary seat had been changed overnight without her consent or prior notice. Subsequently, she was referred to the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for a disciplinary review, which was ordered to report back in two weeks.
The matter came to light when lawmakers revisited the issue and emphasized the importance of upholding parliamentary rules and decorum. As the controversy unfolded, Akpoti-Uduaghan took further legal action by filing a N100.3 billion fundamental human rights suit against the Senate President.
In the interview, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan shared what she described as evidence against Akpabio, including the involvement of her husband as a star witness. “My issue with Akpabio started on December 8, 2023, when my husband and I visited Akwa Ibom for Senator Akpabio’s birthday. He showed me around his house, holding my hand, with my husband following behind. He said he wanted me to come and spend special moments in his house,” she recalled.
Akpoti-Uduaghan went on to share that her husband had warned her about being alone with Akpabio, advising her not to travel abroad or be in private with the Senate President.
Public reactions to the allegations have been swift, with some commentators describing the accusations as grounds for impeachment or even imprisonment for attempting to seduce a married woman. The story has generated widespread discussion across social media, with Nigerians weighing in on the seriousness of the allegations and the potential legal ramifications for Akpabio.
The Senate President has yet to publicly respond to the claims.
