Regina Askia Weighs In on Akpabio-Natasha Feud

Former beauty queen and actress, Regina Askia-Williams, has shared her perspective on the ongoing feud between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central. The controversy, sparked by allegations of sexual harassment levelled against Akpabio, escalated last week following heated exchanges during a Senate Ethics Committee hearing.

The issue intensified when Senator Natasha petitioned the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee to disbar Senator Neda Imasuen, chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee. In retaliation, a group identified as Concerned Kogi Youths and Women filed a petition with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seeking her recall. However, the attempt suffered a major setback on Thursday as INEC dismissed the petition, stating it failed to meet the constitutional requirement under Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Amid the tensions, public attention turned to Regina Askia, a native of Akwa Ibom State like Senator Akpabio, with many of her followers pressing for her personal take on the matter. Responding to the demand, Askia issued a carefully balanced statement that highlighted the complexity of the situation.

“As a woman, a healthcare professional, and a daughter of Akwa Ibom, I find it important to speak with clarity on the recent events involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio,” she began.

Askia emphasized that sexual harassment is a serious offense that should never be trivialized or politicized. She noted the importance of safeguarding the dignity of women, especially the small number currently serving in the Senate, where only four of 109 senators are women. She expressed pride in Akpabio’s rise to the position of Senate President, describing it as a symbol of progress for Akwa Ibom State, but stressed that leadership must be accountable and due process must prevail.

She argued that the matter should have remained within the purview of the Senate Ethics Committee to ensure an impartial review. She lamented the escalation of the issue into accusations of misconduct and the resulting six-month suspension of Senator Natasha, which she believes could have been avoided with a formal apology. The suspension, she said, creates a representation gap for the people of Kogi Central and undermines the fight for justice.

“Natasha chose to stand her ground, perhaps hoping to spark institutional change, but also bearing the emotional and political weight of that decision,” Askia said, acknowledging the senator’s courage in the face of intense opposition. She warned against allowing the saga to devolve into a political chess game where women become pawns and justice is sacrificed for power plays.

Offering a way forward, Askia called for Senator Natasha’s reinstatement and a thorough court-led examination of the sexual harassment allegations. She urged the enforcement and respect of policies protecting women in public service, and stressed that Akpabio’s leadership should not be undermined by unproven claims.

“Let us be measured in our language, mature in our emotions, and committed to justice, not sensationalism. We owe it to the women who come after us, the institutions we hope to strengthen, and the truth we all claim to defend,” she concluded.