“At No Time Did I Ever Harass Any Woman” – Akpabio Denies Allegations as Senator Natasha Officially Submits Petition

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has denied allegations of sexual harassment brought against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling the claims baseless and urging the public to allow due process to take its course.

Speaking on the Senate floor Wednesday, Akpabio addressed the allegations, which have been circulating since February, saying, “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.” He also noted that he had been inundated with calls over the issue and was aware of the growing social media discussions surrounding it. He called on Nigerians and the media to avoid premature conclusions and to respect the legal process.

However, moments after Akpabio’s statement, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan formally raised a petition under Senate Order 40, accusing the Senate President of sexual harassment and abuse of office. She requested permission to officially present her complaint before the chamber. The Senate subsequently referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for review.

The controversy stems from a heated dispute in February when a Senate seat reassignment led to tensions between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio. The situation escalated, culminating in her accusations against the Senate President and fueling broader concerns about conduct within the legislative body.

Amid the ongoing controversy, Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the Senate chamber on Wednesday, accompanied by her husband. In a moment that caught attention, she shared a kiss with him before proceeding to her seat. She then took her place in her newly assigned position but notably refrained from standing when Akpabio entered the chamber, breaking from the customary gesture of respect for the presiding officer.