“It Is High Time We Come Hard on Her” – Senator Nwaebonyi Attacks Akpoti-Uduaghan Over Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Akpabio

Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi has launched a fierce attack on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Nwaebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North Senatorial District, dismissed the claims and called for stronger action against Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had on Wednesday submitted an affidavit to the Senate Ethics Committee as evidence in her petition against Akpabio. In the document, she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, abuse of office, and obstruction of legislative duties. She quoted Akpabio as saying, *”Natasha, I am the Chief Presiding Officer of the Senate and you can enjoy a whole lot from me if you take care of me and make me happy.”*

Her petition was initially rejected by the Senate, prompting her constituent, Mr. Suberu Azamare Yakubu, to present it on her behalf. The affidavit detailed an alleged incident on December 8, 2023, at Akpabio’s residence in Akwa Ibom State.

In an interview with News Central, Nwaebonyi dismissed the allegations and stated, “It is high time we come hard on her.” He referenced a previous sexual harassment accusation Akpoti-Uduaghan made against former presidential aide Reno Omokri during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. He claimed Omokri was not even in Nigeria at the time, implying the allegations were false.

Nwaebonyi also made personal remarks about Akpoti-Uduaghan, questioning her marital history and insinuating that she fabricates allegations. “At the slightest provocation, she comes out with allegations of sexual harassment. I don’t know what is wrong with this lady. Does she think she is the most beautiful woman on earth? Or is it because she has a chocolate complexion?”* he said.

He further suggested that Akpoti-Uduaghan “forced her current husband into marriage by threatening to sue him.” Nwaebonyi argued that his remarks were not just in defense of Akpabio but to protect potential “future victims” of similar accusations.

His comments come amid backlash over a separate incident involving former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili. During a heated Senate hearing on Tuesday, Nwaebonyi was caught on video engaging in a verbal altercation with Ezekwesili, calling her an “insult to womanhood” and a “hooligan.” The clash occurred during a Senate Committee hearing on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which was reviewing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition against Akpabio.