Akpabio’s Wife Denies Senator Natasha Akpoti’s Sexual Harassment Allegations
Akpabio’s Wife Denies Senator Natasha Akpoti’s Sexual Harassment Allegations
Akpabio’s Wife Refutes Sexual Harassment Allegations by Senator Natasha Akpoti
The wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, has strongly refuted allegations of sexual harassment made against her husband, Senator Godswill Akpabio, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The accusations surfaced during a televised interview, sparking widespread debate.
Speaking to journalists, Mrs. Akpabio dismissed the claims as baseless and fabricated, emphasizing the longstanding cordial relationship between both families.
She stated that she was present at their residence on the alleged date of the incident, December 8, 2023, and categorically denied the accusations.
Highlighting her husband’s character, she described Senator Akpabio as a disciplined man and a strong advocate for women’s inclusion in government, even before assuming the position of Senate President.
Mrs. Akpabio also cautioned against making false allegations, warning that such claims could damage reputations and distract from critical national issues. She further vowed to take legal action to protect her family’s integrity.
Meanwhile, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, alleged on Friday that she has been facing political retaliation from the Senate President due to her refusal of his alleged advances.
The lawmaker made these claims just days after a heated exchange between her and Akpabio over seating arrangements in the Senate chambers.
READ ALSO: Senator Kingibe Slams Natasha for Accusing Akpabio of Sexual Harassment
“In February, I sought to move a motion for an investigation into corruption in Ajaokuta Steel Company. I listed that motion five times before it was eventually approved on the sixth attempt. Many senators can attest to this,” she said during the interview.
She recounted her meeting with Akpabio, saying, “Before the motion made it to the order paper, I visited the Senate President in his office and said, ‘Sir, you know how important Ajaokuta Steel Company is to me, my people, and Nigerians. I’ve noticed that this motion keeps getting stepped down.’
“Several senators even advised me to plead with him to allow it. When I asked him why it hadn’t been taken, he responded, ‘Natasha, I am the Chief Presiding Officer of the Senate; you can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me. Make me happy.’”
“At that moment, I said, ‘Sir, I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.’ He then replied, ‘Well, the ball is in your court.’ I left his office,” she alleged.
Comparing her ordeal to a case of academic exploitation, she concluded, “My situation is like that of a student being punished by a lecturer for refusing to sleep with him.”
