Senate President Godswill Akpabio has rejected the sexual harassment allegations made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. He responded to the accusations on Wednesday, as the Senate resumed after a week-long break.
Akpabio dismissed the claims, stating, “I have never harassed any woman. I was raised by my late single mother and have always treated women with respect. I was even named Nigeria’s most gender-friendly governor.”
The Senate President, acknowledging the numerous calls he had received since February 25 and being aware of the growing online discussions, urged Nigerians, the media, and social media users to refrain from making judgments and instead allow the court to handle the issue.
However, shortly after his statement, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan submitted a petition under Order 40, accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment and misuse of office.
She requested permission to present the petition formally to the chamber.
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The Senate referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, instructing it to investigate the matter as soon as possible.
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The Senate has been embroiled in controversy since February when a seating arrangement dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio led to heightened tensions.
The altercation, which began over a seating disagreement, has fueled the sexual harassment allegations, further raising concerns about behavior and decorum within the Senate.
On Wednesday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the Senate Chamber with her husband.
The couple shared a brief, affectionate kiss before she entered the chamber. Once seated in her new position, she notably refused to stand as Akpabio arrived, breaking from the traditional practice of showing respect to the presiding officer.
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