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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has publicly denied allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating that he has “never harassed any woman.”
Speaking at the beginning of the plenary session on Wednesday, Akpabio addressed the accusations, which have sparked widespread reactions across the country.
He further defended his character, citing his upbringing and respect for women.
“Since the 20th of February, I have been inundated with phone calls from various Nigerians. I would like to state that at no time did I sexually harass Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,” he said.
“I and my siblings were raised very well by my late single mother, who died in the year 2000. I, therefore, have the highest regard for women. Even after her demise, I still cry till today. I also wish to state that I have four beautiful daughters. So, at no time have I or will I ever harass any woman, and I have never done so.”
He also highlighted his past record as a gender-friendly leader, recalling awards he received during his tenure as Akwa Ibom State governor.
“Even as a state governor, I was awarded various awards. One of them was the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria. I served between 2007 and 2015. To God be the glory,” he added.
Akpabio urged the public and the media not to rush to conclusions, insisting that the matter should be left for legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, pushed back against Akpabio’s remarks, insisting that her petition should be treated separately from an ongoing defamation case in court.
“I beg to differ that this matter is subjudice, and I stand on Order 10 on privileges. I believe, therefore, that your refusal to accept and treat my petition before the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges is an abuse of my privilege,” she said during the plenary.
She clarified that the ongoing court case involves defamation and cyberbullying charges against Akpabio’s special assistant on new media, over comments he made about her attire.
“The matter before the court is on defamation and cyberbullying statements made by your special assistant, Patrick Mfon, who addressed my decent outfit as transparent, thereby depicting that I walked seductively and naked to the chambers. That is the nature of the case in court,” she explained.
Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted that her sexual harassment petition against Akpabio had not been filed before any court and urged the Senate President to forward it to the Ethics and Privileges Committee for proper investigation.
“This petition accuses you of making sexual harassment moves, abusing your office, and making malicious obstructions to my legislative functions. It has never been tendered anywhere before, in no court in Nigeria. So, Sir, I would appreciate it if you kindly accept my petition and forward it to the Ethics and Privileges Committee so it can be treated,” she stated.
Chioma Kalu
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