By Abigail Philip David
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
In an interview with Arise Television on Friday, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that Akpabio blocked her motions in the Senate after she rejected his advances. She further claimed that refusing him led to persistent harassment and maligning, both at his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and in his office.
Detailing her experience, she stated, “My issue with Akpabio began on December 8, 2023, when my husband and I attended a pre-birthday event at his residence in Uyo. Earlier, at his Ikot-Ekpene home, he held my hand, insisting on showing me around. As we walked, he asked if I liked his house. When I said yes, he responded, ‘Now that you are a senator, you’ll have time to spend here and enjoy it.’”
She also accused Akpabio of deliberately suppressing her motion on corrupt practices at Ajaokuta Steel Company. “I listed the motion five times before it finally made it to the order paper. When I asked him why it was repeatedly stepped down, he said, ‘Natasha, I am the Chief Presiding Officer of the Senate. You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me and make me happy.’ I chose to ignore the comment.”
Comparing her situation to that of a student punished by a lecturer for rejecting sexual advances, she further alleged that her Senate seat was changed as part of a ploy against her.
Responding to the allegations, Akpabio’s media consultant, Kenny Okulogbo, dismissed them as false. He suggested that Akpoti-Uduaghan was upset over her removal as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content.
“All that Senator Natasha said are tissues of lies,” Okulogbo said. “She is just angry because she was removed from the committee chairmanship. The Senate President will respond officially soon.”
