CurrentReport Blog The ongoing controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan took a new twist as Senate President Godswill Akpabio addressed the allegations of sexual harassment made against him by the Kogi Central lawmaker. Speaking at an event on Saturday to commemorate International Women’s Day, Akpabio denied the accusations, claiming that the allegations came to light only after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat in the Senate was changed.
Akpabio Denies Allegations, Claims “Useless” Accusations
Akpabio, who has been under heavy criticism since the allegations were first raised, vehemently rejected the claims made by Akpoti-Uduaghan. According to the Senate President, the allegations emerged following changes in the seating arrangement and committee assignments within the Senate. He suggested that these changes in the chamber were the catalyst for the accusations, describing the allegations as “useless.”
“It was only yesterday that I realized that what we are talking about only happened when there was a change of seat. That is when hell was let loose, and all sorts of allegations came up—only after the change of seat and change of committee, which my Senators know happens from time to time,” Akpabio said at the event.
The Senate President also emphasized that the allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan were not only false but were also damaging to his reputation and to the image of the Senate as a whole. He further argued that the timing of the accusations was suspicious, as they only surfaced around December 8, 2023—just a day before Akpabio’s birthday celebration. This, he claimed, raised questions about the sincerity and motive behind the allegations.
Trauma and Past Allegations
In his remarks, Akpabio took aim at Akpoti-Uduaghan’s history of allegations, suggesting that this was not the first time she had accused others, but that her claims had never been substantiated. He questioned the impact of these allegations on the Senate, the institution he serves, and the individuals who were falsely accused.
“Have you ever wondered about the trauma caused by that same woman to the other people she has accused in the past? None has been proven so far. Do you even wonder about the trauma this caused to the 10th Senate and the image of the Senate with all these useless allegations?” Akpabio said, further asserting that the accusations were damaging and baseless.
The Senate President went on to express his frustration with the situation, pointing out that none of the allegations against him, or any of the previous ones made by Akpoti-Uduaghan, had ever been proven. He also highlighted the personal toll the accusations had taken on him and others, including his wife, who he claimed was also affected by the false claims.
The Impact of the Allegations on Akpabio’s Reputation
Akpabio’s public defense came at a time when the Senate President has faced mounting criticism for the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The suspension, which was upheld by the Senate on Thursday, came after Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a petition alleging sexual harassment by Akpabio. However, the Senate’s Ethics Committee dismissed her claims on procedural grounds, stating that her conduct had undermined the integrity of the Senate. As a result, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months.
Since the suspension, critics of the Senate have accused Akpabio and the leadership of the chamber of using their authority to silence a female lawmaker, sparking discussions on gender bias and the need for fairness in the treatment of women in politics. Despite the backlash, Akpabio maintains that the disciplinary actions taken against Akpoti-Uduaghan were in line with Senate rules and were not motivated by gender considerations.
Addressing Gender Sensitivities and Women’s Rights
Akpabio, a former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, also addressed the issue of gender sensitivity, speaking to the women present at the International Women’s Day event. In a tone aimed at defusing concerns about his treatment of women, Akpabio remarked, “Look at these beautiful women. They have come across me so many times. Have I ever harassed any one of you? Or is the person thinking that you are not beautiful?”
While his comments were likely intended to reassure those present of his respect for women, they have also raised eyebrows due to the context in which they were made. Critics argue that such remarks may trivialize the serious nature of sexual harassment allegations and could be seen as an attempt to deflect attention away from the issues at hand.
The Ongoing Controversy
As the debate continues, both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio remain firm in their positions. While Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters demand a review of her suspension, Akpabio maintains that the disciplinary actions against her were justified and based on Senate rules.
The case has highlighted deep divisions in Nigerian politics, particularly concerning gender dynamics, political power, and the credibility of accusations. With both sides standing their ground, it seems likely that the controversy will persist, further fuelling public debates on the handling of sexual harassment claims and the role of women in Nigerian politics.
Conclusion
The unfolding drama between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan underscores the complexity of handling allegations of sexual harassment in a political environment. Akpabio’s defense, while reiterating his innocence, has sparked further conversations about gender equality, the responsibility of political leaders, and the integrity of parliamentary procedures. As the story continues to evolve, it remains a significant issue in Nigerian political discourse.
