Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed the sexual harassment allegations leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing them as false and unfounded.
The allegations were brought to light on Wednesday, February 27, 2025, during the Senate plenary session, following weeks of speculation and heated public discourse on social media.
Addressing the Senate, Akpabio denied ever harassing any woman, stating that he holds women in high regard due to the values instilled in him by his late single mother.
“At no time did I ever harass any woman. 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 during my time in office.”
— Godswill Akpabio, Senate President
Akpabio further urged Nigerians and the media to avoid making hasty conclusions and allow the legal process to take its course.
Moments after Akpabio’s statement, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised a petition under Order 40 of the Senate Standing Rules, formally accusing the Senate President of sexual harassment and abuse of office.
She requested the Senate’s permission to lay the petition before the chamber, which was granted. The petition has now been referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for investigation.
The controversy between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan stems from a seat rearrangement dispute that occurred in February, which resulted in a heated confrontation between the two lawmakers.
The incident has sparked tensions within the Senate, with the latest allegations raising serious concerns about decorum and professionalism in the legislative chamber.
On Wednesday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the Senate chamber accompanied by her husband amid the ongoing controversy. In a show of public defiance, she refused to stand when Akpabio entered the chamber — a break from the customary tradition of showing respect to the presiding officer.
The Senate has directed the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct to investigate the allegations without delay and report its findings to the chamber.
The case has garnered widespread public attention, with Nigerians closely watching how the Senate will handle the matter.
As the investigation unfolds, the outcome of this petition could have significant implications for both Senator Akpabio’s leadership and the Senate’s reputation.
Stay tuned to 9am News Nigeria for more Breaking News, Business News, Sports updates And Entertainment Gists.
