“Who Told You I Was Going to Step Down Over Sexual Harassment Allegations? I’m Not That Weak!” – Akpabio Declares

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stated unequivocally that he never considered stepping down from his position over recent allegations of sexual harassment. Speaking during a plenary session on Thursday, Akpabio responded to a vote of confidence passed in him by Senate Majority Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele. Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central, commended his fellow lawmakers for their solidarity with the Senate President and criticized those who expected Akpabio to be pressured into resignation.

Bamidele emphasized that the Senate would always demand evidence in the face of any allegation, noting that lawmakers remain focused on their duties. “By now I’m sure you know, sir, that those who felt that by now, this Senate would have asked you to step down would have seen now that we are focused on what we are doing,” he said.

In response, Akpabio questioned the basis for such expectations, dismissing the allegations as false. “Who told you I was going to step down due to false allegations?” he asked. He drew comparisons to historical injustices in the U.S., where some Black individuals were wrongfully imprisoned for years, implying that he would not fall victim to a similar fate. “They will step down for false allegation and when it’s proven that the allegations are false, they say, ‘Oh, we were unfair to Akpabio.’ So, if you have that in mind, please cancel it,” he declared.

The controversy follows a sarcastic apology posted on Facebook by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has been under disciplinary action for allegedly violating Senate rules. In the post, she mockingly apologized to Akpabio for “the crime of maintaining dignity and self-respect.” Akpabio has since filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking the court to compel Akpoti-Uduaghan to take down the statement.