Godswill Akpabio Pressured Me for Sex in Senate Chamber” – Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging that he made inappropriate advances towards her both in the Senate chamber and at his private residence in Akwa Ibom. The Kogi Central senator made the claims during an interview on ARISE TV on Friday.

According to Ms. Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Senate President repeatedly blocked her motion to investigate alleged corruption at Ajaokuta Steel Company. She said she confronted him about it in his office, where he implied that she needed to please him in exchange for support.

“In February, I wanted to move a motion for the investigation of anti-corruption practices at Ajaokuta Steel Company. I listed that motion five times, but it was only on the sixth attempt that it was approved,” she stated. “He kept doing that, so I went to his office and said, ‘You know how important the Ajaokuta Steel Company is to me and my people. I’ve noticed that you have repeatedly stepped down this motion.’ He replied, ‘Natasha, I’m the Chief Presiding Officer of the Senate. You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me and make me happy.’”

Ms. Akpoti-Uduaghan further alleged that Mr. Akpabio had made advances toward her during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom, recounting an incident that took place the day before their shared birthday. She described how he took her on a tour of his home, making suggestive remarks.

“It all started the day before his birthday and my birthday because we are birthday mates. We were all in Akwa Ibom,” she said. “At first, we were in his house at Ikot Ekpene. Then we all went to his house in Uyo. Then, he held my hands, walking around from room to room. He showed me the beautiful interiors.”

She added that during the tour, he told her, “Now you are a senator, I am going to create time for us to come create quality moments here. You will enjoy it.” She said she pulled away at that moment, unsure of his intent.

Mr. Akpabio has not yet responded to the allegations.

The senator’s accusations come shortly after a heated session in the Senate last week, during which Mr. Akpabio ordered security officials to remove her from the chamber. The dispute began when Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno informed the Senate President that Ms. Akpoti-Uduaghan had refused to move to a newly assigned seat. She objected, citing Senate rules and claiming her privileges had been violated.