Senate President Godswill Akpabio has strongly denied allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier accused the Senate leader of making inappropriate advances toward her during a visit to his country home in Akwa Ibom State.
Akpabio Breaks Silence on Allegations
Addressing the allegations during a plenary session on Wednesday, Akpabio stated that he has never harassed Senator Natasha or any other woman.
“At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised by a single mother and have always upheld the highest respect for women. I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria,” he said.
Akpabio also emphasized that as a father of four daughters, he would never engage in inappropriate conduct against women.
He further expressed gratitude to his fellow senators for their support and prayers, stating that he trusts God to vindicate the just.
Background to the Controversy
The tension between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio escalated after the Senate President ordered her suspension over a seating arrangement dispute.
The Kogi Central lawmaker had protested after discovering that her Senate seat had been changed without her consent, leading to a heated exchange between the two lawmakers.
In a television interview last week, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that Akpabio was punishing her for rejecting his advances.
According to her, while showing her around his home, Akpabio allegedly suggested that they could “spend quality time together” and that she would “enjoy it.”
The allegations have sparked debate, with Nigerians closely watching the unfolding developments.