Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reacted strongly to claims made by his colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following her report at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York, accusing her of presenting a distorted version of events that led to her suspension from the Senate.
At the IPU meeting held on March 11, 2025, Natasha, a Senator representing Kogi Central, alleged that her six-month suspension from the Senate was a result of the sexual harassment accusations she made against Akpabio. This claim has now triggered a significant political dispute in the Senate, with Akpabio accusing Natasha of misrepresenting the facts and misleading the international community.
On March 13, during a Senate plenary, Akpabio addressed the issue after Senators passed a vote of confidence in his leadership. He rejected Natasha’s version of events, insisting that the true reason for her suspension had nothing to do with the sexual harassment allegations she had raised against him. According to Akpabio, Natasha had tried to embarrass the Senate by presenting a false narrative to the global audience.
“I am aware that she distorted the facts and globalized the matter, embarrassing the Senate by giving a different narrative,” Akpabio said. “I appreciate Hon Kafilat Ogbara for clarifying the situation to the international media, as what was presented by Natasha was completely different from the reality.”
The Senate President’s statement referred to a clarification made by a member of the House of Representatives, Kafilat Ogbara, who had attended the IPU meeting. Ogbara clarified that the suspension of Natasha was not related to the sexual harassment allegations, as had been suggested by Natasha, but rather due to other misconduct that had been addressed by the Senate.
Akpabio continued, criticizing Natasha for bypassing the Senate’s processes by taking the matter directly to the court and the international community. He suggested that her actions could discourage the inclusion of women in key positions in Nigerian politics.
“She brought the matter before the Senate through a petition, but did not allow us to examine it. Instead, she took it to court and later to the international community. Actions like these could discourage politicians from appointing women into key positions,” Akpabio remarked.
The dispute between Akpabio and Natasha has been ongoing for some time. Natasha had previously accused the Senate President of sexual harassment, a claim that sparked public outcry and led to investigations by the Senate’s Ethics and Privileges Committee. However, this matter was still under investigation when Natasha was suspended for what the Senate described as “gross misconduct.”
Meanwhile, the Senate has continued to defend its actions, with Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also addressing the issue. Bamidele rejected the notion that the Senate had acted improperly in suspending Natasha, and reiterated that the suspension was not related to any sexual harassment claims.
“In the matter that was before us, when it was referred to the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, it had nothing to do with sexual harassment,” Bamidele clarified. He also urged the public not to focus on the sexual harassment claims, as the matter was now in the hands of the courts.
The Senate Leader emphasized that the Senate operated within the framework of the Nigerian Constitution and its own rules, and that any suspension of a member had to be in line with these established guidelines.
“We are not of the opinion that we are in breach of either the constitution or any of our rules,” Bamidele stated. “While we understand the public’s concerns, we must also remind Nigerians that the Senate must follow its rules to ensure peace, order, and fairness.”
Bamidele further urged the public not to allow the controversy surrounding the sexual harassment allegations to distract from the important work of the Senate. He pointed out that the Senate was focused on issues affecting the Nigerian people, and would continue to work towards ensuring equal participation in democratic processes and economic growth.
The accusations from Natasha, however, have not gone unnoticed outside the Senate. The issue has attracted significant public attention, particularly concerning the treatment of women in politics. Advocates for gender equality have raised concerns that the handling of Natasha’s case could have wider implications for women in Nigerian politics, particularly when they take positions that challenge powerful figures.
The controversy is likely to continue as the matter unfolds in the courts. Natasha has already vowed to pursue legal action over the sexual harassment allegations, and the Senate has expressed confidence that its processes will be upheld.
For now, it appears that the Senate, under Akpabio’s leadership, is focused on moving forward and addressing the pressing issues facing Nigeria. The passing of the vote of confidence in Akpabio signals continued support for his leadership, despite the ongoing controversy.