Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has refuted claims that she apologized to Senate President Godswill Akpabio concerning her allegations of sexual harassment.
In a statement released on Monday, she reiterated that she stands firmly by her accusations and will not be silenced through intimidation.
This statement comes in response to circulating rumors suggesting she had apologized to the senate president and expressed regret for her allegations.
On March 6th, the Senate suspended Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, acting on the recommendations of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
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The committee cited her refusal to comply with the Senate’s seating arrangement and alleged misconduct during a February 20th plenary session as the basis for her suspension.
In addition to the six-month suspension, the Senate withdrew her security detail, sealed her Senate office, suspended her salary and allowances, and barred her from entering the National Assembly premises.
The Senate offered the possibility of an early recall if she provided a written apology, a condition she has explicitly rejected.
On March 11th, Akpoti-Uduaghan brought her suspension and allegations of sexual harassment against the senate president to the attention of the Inter-Parliamentary Union during their meeting in the United States.
In her recent statement, she declared that she will never apologize and remains resolute in her pursuit of justice.
“I, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stand firm in my resolve to never apologise for speaking my truth. The desperation to silence me is palpable, but I will not be intimidated.
The games being played in full view of the Nigerian people will be exposed, and the corrupt individuals who have hijacked our institutions will be held accountable.”
She reiterated her determination to seek justice and accountability, noting that no amount of suppression would stop her from her mandate.
“As a senator, I have a duty to represent my constituents and uphold the principles of justice and transparency. My allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio were not made lightly, and I will continue to seek justice and accountability, no matter the cost,” she said.
Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan characterized her six-month suspension as a blatant instance of political victimization.
She contended that her suspension was a calculated effort to suppress her voice.
“My six-month suspension is a clear case of political victimisation, but I will not be deterred. I will continue to fight for the rights of Nigerian women and ensure that our voices are heard,” she said.
The senator also urged the public to ignore reports claiming she had apologised.
“I urge the public to ignore the viral report claiming that I apologised to the Senate, as it is entirely false. I will continue to stand by my truth and fight for what is right, even in the face of adversity.”
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