Senate President Godswill Akpabio has strongly denied allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling them baseless and urging Nigerians not to jump to conclusions.
The controversy erupted after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan formally submitted a petition before the Senate on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, reinforcing allegations she had previously made on national television. The petition immediately triggered a heated debate in the upper legislative chamber, drawing reactions from key lawmakers.
In response, Akpabio dismissed the claims, emphasizing his upbringing, personal values, and record as a former governor. “At no time did I ever attempt any sexual harassment on the said Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman for that matter,” he stated. He further cited his recognition as “the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria” during his tenure as Akwa Ibom governor from 2007 to 2015, arguing that such an accusation contradicts his legacy.
The session took another dramatic turn when Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North), and Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), opposed referring the petition to the Ethics Committee, arguing that the case was already in court. They cited Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders, insisting that discussing it further would violate legal proceedings.
Amid the dispute, Akpabio urged the media and the public to allow the legal system to take its course, warning against premature judgments. “I urge all Nigerians, particularly the media and members of the social media, to await the court decision and, please, do not jump to conclusions on matters of mere allegations,” he stated.
