Senate President Godswill Akpabio faces serious allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central. Akpabio denies these claims, but former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for an independent investigation.
In a recent interview on Arise Television, Akpoti-Uduaghan shared that her difficulties in the Senate relate to her refusal to engage with Akpabio’s alleged sexual advances. The situation worsened when her seating position in the Senate changed without her consent, prompting her to voice her frustrations, which temporarily disrupted legislative proceedings.
As a result, she was referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for a disciplinary review, led by Senator Neda Imaseun (LP, Edo South), with a two-week deadline to report back to the House.
In response to the allegations and the public dispute, Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a defamation lawsuit against Akpabio for N100 billion in the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja. The lawsuit also names Akpabio’s senior legislative aide, Mfon Patrick, as a defendant. It cites a Facebook post by Patrick that questioned whether the local content committee of the Senate was Akpoti-Uduaghan’s “birthright” and suggested her focus was more on her appearance than her legislative duties. Giwa accuses Akpoti-Uduaghan of making defamatory and damaging statements that have harmed her reputation among colleagues and the public.
See also: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Accuses Akpabio of Sexual Advances
On Arise Television’s Morning Show, Giwa detailed her challenges in the Senate, linking them to her refusal to have inappropriate relations with the Senate President. She recounted a December 8, 2023, incident during a pre-birthday invitation at Akpabio’s home, where he held her hand and suggested they could spend time together now that she was a Senator.
Giwa mentioned that her conflicts with Senator Akpabio intensified when she tried multiple times to raise a motion about corrupt practices at the Ajaokuta Steel Company, which was only scheduled for discussion after several attempts. When she confronted the Senate President about the repeated delays, he implied her standing in the Senate could improve if she accommodated him. She interpreted his comments as coercion, comparing her situation to a student being punished for refusing to engage in an inappropriate relationship.
Giwa also noted that her colleagues advised her to accept certain seat changes, warning her it was a strategy against her. “A sergeant-at-arms in the Senate informed me that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, had changed my seat. I was unaware of this, as I attended the last session and had not been informed of any changes. Before the Senate President could announce my suspension, I needed to use Order 10, which allows Senators to express concerns about their rights being violated. The Senate President made a mistake by not letting me speak on Order 10.”
Atiku responded to the serious allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. He stated these claims of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment are very serious and require a full, fair, and open investigation. Many Nigerians have watched this situation unfold with great concern.
The Nigerian Senate represents the citizens of Nigeria. Members, especially those in leadership roles, are expected to be honest and respectful. This commitment is vital for the credibility of their office and the trust of the Nigerian people.
“As the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should have an unimpeachable character,” Atiku said. He urged President Bola Tinubu and the Senate to take the allegations seriously and ensure they are investigated transparently and independently.
The statement also said, “Sexual harassment in the workplace is a major barrier to women’s progress, and it affects the nation’s development. Allegations of such behavior should never be dismissed, particularly when a public official holds significant power and responsibility.
“The Senate President has a duty to support and empower Nigerian women through legislation, not to become the subject of allegations that go against those principles. How this matter is handled will send an important message.”“This is about the rules of the Senate.I want to point out that women in the Senate have been moved multiple times, and some men were also moved.
The Senate is not very friendly to women, but it has improved. When we raise issues with the Senate President, he usually makes corrections. The Senate can do better, but men face similar challenges.
Senator Natasha has the most privileges among the four female senators. My seat has been moved four times. I want women to know we must follow the Senate’s rules.
“About the sexual harassment claim, I don’t know Akpabio well enough to comment”. She added.
