President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has denied allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
Akpabio made this statement during a plenary session in Abuja, seeking to clear his name following accusations from Akpoti-Uduaghan. The senator had earlier alleged on a popular television program that Akpabio made sexual advances toward her, which she claimed contributed to recent tensions between them in the Senate.
The controversy between both lawmakers reportedly began on February 20, when Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that her seat in the upper chamber was reallocated without her knowledge. In response, the Senate referred the matter to its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for review, granting the committee two weeks to submit its findings.
Addressing the allegations, Akpabio said:
“On February 28, serious allegations surfaced on social media and television regarding an alleged sexual harassment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. While I am aware that the matter is in court, I want to state clearly that at no time did I attempt to harass Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman.”
The Senate President emphasized his respect for women, attributing it to his upbringing by his late mother.
“My siblings and I were raised by my late single mother, who passed away in 2000 after enduring very difficult times. I, therefore, hold women in the highest regard. At no point have I ever harassed a woman, and I never will,” he added.
Akpabio also referenced his tenure as Akwa Ibom State governor (2007–2015), during which he claimed to have received several awards, including recognition as the “most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria.”
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He urged the public and media to allow the legal process to take its course.
“I encourage all Nigerians, particularly the media and social media users, to await the court’s decision and refrain from drawing conclusions based on mere allegations,” he said.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, security personnel at the National Assembly dispersed a group of protesters believed to be Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters who attempted to access the complex.
