The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has denied allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi), stating that he is innocent of the claims. The statement came during the resumption of Senate plenary on Wednesday, following a week-long recess.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, on a popular television program, accused Akpabio of making unwanted sexual advances towards her. She claimed that these actions were the underlying cause of recent tensions between them in the Senate. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations have caused a stir in the Senate, drawing public attention to the matter.
The issue between the two senators began on February 20, when Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that her seat in the upper chamber had been re-allocated without her knowledge. This move led to a series of confrontations between the two lawmakers. Akpoti-Uduaghan raised concerns over the seat change, which she felt was done without her consent. The matter was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for review. The committee was given two weeks to investigate the issue and present a report.
However, things escalated when, on February 28, allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio surfaced in the media. These claims spread quickly across social media platforms and television stations, leading to heightened tensions. Akpabio responded during his speech in the Senate, stating that he had never harassed Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman.
He said, “I am aware of the allegations that have been making rounds in the media, but I want to make it clear: at no point did I ever attempt to sexually harass Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman.” Akpabio further emphasized that he was raised by a strong, single mother, who instilled in him the highest regard for women. “My late mother raised me with great values, and I have always respected women. I have never harassed anyone and I never will,” he added.
Akpabio also pointed to his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, where he served from 2007 to 2015, as evidence of his commitment to gender equality. “During my time as governor, I received multiple awards for being one of the most gender-friendly leaders in Nigeria. My administration was known for promoting women’s rights and empowerment,” he stated.
The senator called for calm and urged Nigerians, especially the media and social media users, to refrain from drawing conclusions until the courts have ruled on the matter. “Let us allow the court to decide on these matters and not make judgments based on unproven allegations,” Akpabio said.
The controversy surrounding the accusations has led to a tense atmosphere in the National Assembly. On the same day Akpabio made his statement, police officers were deployed to disperse a group of protesters outside the National Assembly complex. The protesters, believed to be supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan, were attempting to gain access to the complex to express their support for the senator and her claims. The police moved swiftly to prevent any disturbances, ensuring that the situation did not escalate further.
This dispute between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan has raised questions about the state of gender relations and political dynamics in the Nigerian Senate. The alleged harassment incident comes at a time when the country is grappling with increasing concerns about sexual harassment and abuse, particularly in workplaces and political institutions.
While Akpabio has denied the allegations, the matter is still under investigation. Akpoti-Uduaghan has not provided further details since her initial accusation, but she has made it clear that she intends to pursue the issue until it is resolved. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions is expected to present its findings soon, which could shed light on the truth behind the allegations.
The allegations and the subsequent reactions from both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan highlight the challenges faced by female politicians in Nigeria, especially when it comes to accusations of sexual harassment. Women in politics often find themselves facing significant hurdles, both professionally and personally, as they navigate the male-dominated political landscape.
Despite the current tension, Akpabio’s defenders argue that the Senate President has long been an advocate for women’s rights, pointing to his policies during his tenure as governor. His supporters believe that the accusations are politically motivated, aimed at tarnishing his reputation and weakening his influence in the Senate.
The Senate President’s supporters also point to his long history of advocating for gender equality. They claim that he has consistently worked to empower women in his state and in the country. They argue that such accusations against a man with a record of promoting women’s rights are unjust and unfounded.
On the other hand, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters see the allegations as part of a larger pattern of mistreatment and marginalization of women in politics. They believe that her claims should be taken seriously, as sexual harassment remains a significant issue in Nigerian politics. They also view the police’s actions in dispersing the protesters as an attempt to silence those who stand in solidarity with Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The ongoing drama has sparked public debate on the broader issues of sexual harassment in Nigerian politics. As the situation unfolds, many Nigerians are closely watching the developments and awaiting the court’s ruling. The outcome of this case could set an important precedent for how allegations of sexual harassment are handled within the country’s political institutions.
As the Senate continues its work and the investigation into the allegations progresses, the tension between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan remains a topic of national interest. Both senators will likely continue to face scrutiny, and the Nigerian public will be watching closely to see how the situation is resolved.
