Alleged sexual harassment: Finally Akpabio reacts

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has strongly denied allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The controversy unfolded on Wednesday, March 6, 2025, as the Senate reconvened for plenary after a one-week recess.

Reacting to the allegations, Akpabio dismissed the claims, stating unequivocally that he had never engaged in any form of harassment against women.

“At no time did I ever harass any woman,” Akpabio asserted. “I was raised very well by my late single mother, and I have always upheld respect for women. I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria.”

However, immediately after Akpabio’s remarks, Akpoti-Uduaghan invoked Senate Order 40 and formally raised a petition against the Senate President, accusing him of sexual harassment and abuse of office.

The female lawmaker requested permission to step forward and lay her petition before the chamber.

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Following deliberations, the Senate referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, directing the panel to review the matter as soon as practicable.

Meanwhile, in a related development during the plenary, Akpabio remarked that senators who reclaim their electoral mandates through the judiciary pose a unique challenge to the Senate, further stirring debate within the chamber.

As the Ethics Committee begins its review, the allegations are expected to generate significant attention both within and outside the legislative circle, adding to ongoing political tensions in the upper chamber of Nigeria’s National Assembly.