A Shocking Allegation
In a bombshell revelation, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. The lawmaker, who has been embroiled in a public spat with Akpabio over her seat reassignment in the Senate, made the explosive claim during an interview on ARISE TV on Friday. Here’s what she said and the evidence she claims to have.
The Allegation: ‘Take Care of Me’
Akpoti-Uduaghan detailed a series of incidents that she says constitute sexual harassment by Akpabio. She alleged that the Senate President made inappropriate advances toward her, including suggesting that she could “enjoy a whole lot” if she “took care of him.”
“He then said, ‘Natasha, I’m the Chief Presiding Officer of the Senate, you can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me. Make me happy,’” she recounted. “At that point, I said, ‘Sir, I’ll pretend that I didn’t hear this.’ He said, ‘Well, the ball is in your court.’ I left his office.”
She likened her situation to that of a student being punished by a lecturer for refusing to sleep with them.
The Evidence: Screenshots and Witnesses
Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed to have concrete evidence to back her allegations, including:
Screenshots of WhatsApp conversations between her and Akpabio.
Her husband as a witness, who allegedly overheard Akpabio making inappropriate remarks during a visit to his home in Akwa Ibom.
“My husband heard him and later told me not to travel abroad alone or be with the Senate President alone,” she said.
She also challenged the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the matter and extract details of their conversations.
The Context: A Heated Political Feud
The sexual harassment allegations come amid an ongoing feud between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio. The conflict began when the Kogi Senator discovered that her seat in the Senate had been reassigned without her consent. This led to a heated argument, after which she was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary review.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has since filed a N100.3 billion fundamental human rights suit against Akpabio, further escalating the tension between the two.
Akpabio’s Response: Silence So Far
As of Friday, Akpabio had not publicly responded to the allegations. His media aide, Jackson Udom, did not answer multiple calls from Daily Trust seeking comment.
Implications: A Test for Nigeria’s Political Culture
The allegations have sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, raising questions about the treatment of women in leadership roles and the accountability of high-ranking officials. If proven true, the claims could have serious repercussions for Akpabio’s career and the Senate’s reputation.