Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has denied allegations of sexual harassment made by fellow senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, sparking a national debate and calls for an independent investigation.
During a live interview on Arise Television, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances towards her at his residence in Akwa Ibom state on December 8, 2023. She claimed he took her by the hand, led her around his house, and made sexual advances while her husband was on the phone behind them. Additionally, she alleged that Akpabio suggested she should “take care of him” if she wanted her motions to receive favorable consideration in the Senate, likening his behavior to that of a university lecturer coercing a student.
In response, Akpabio firmly denied the allegations, stating, “At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised very well by my late single mother, and I have always upheld respect for women. I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria.”
The accusations have caused significant public uproar, with protests erupting in Abuja. Two groups of demonstrators gathered at the National Assembly—one demanding Akpabio’s resignation, chanting “Akpabio must go,” while the other expressed support for the Senate President.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan officially submitted a petition on the Senate floor on Wednesday, calling for an investigation into Akpabio’s conduct. In response, Akpabio, as Senate President, permitted her to proceed and directed the matter to the Senate Committee on the Code of Conduct, Ethics, and Public Petitions for review.
The controversy has also drawn the attention of former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who stated that the allegations were too serious to be ignored and required thorough scrutiny.
Akpabio, a seasoned politician, previously served as the governor of Akwa Ibom state for eight years and later as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs under former President Muhammadu Buhari. His tenure in public office has been marked by both acclaim and controversy.
As Nigeria watches closely, the unfolding investigation will be a key test of accountability and gender sensitivity within the country’s political landscape.
