The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has dismissed allegations made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing them as “useless” and politically motivated. Akpabio suggested that the claims arose following a change in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate seat and committee assignment.
The Kogi Central lawmaker, who has since been suspended for six months, accused Akpabio of misconduct. However, speaking at an International Women’s Day event on Saturday, the Senate President maintained his innocence, alleging that Akpoti-Uduaghan had a history of making unverified accusations.
“This is said to have happened on December 8, 2023, a day before my birthday, yet no one—my wife, her husband, or any Nigerian—heard anything about sexual harassment until her committee and seat were changed,” Akpabio stated.
He further claimed that such allegations had tarnished the image of the Senate, adding, “Do you even wonder about the trauma this has caused the 10th Senate?”
Akpabio has faced widespread criticism following Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, but he insists that he is merely her latest target. “Look at these beautiful women,” he said, addressing attendees at the event. “They have come across me so many times. Have I ever harassed any one of you?”
The controversy has sparked nationwide debate, with critics questioning the Senate’s decision and others calling for a thorough investigation into the claims.
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