Senate President Godswill Akpabio has spoken out about the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, claiming that she traumatized him and others with her allegations.
Speaking at an International Women’s Day event on Saturday, Akpabio denied the sexual harassment claims against him, insisting that they were false and politically motivated.
Akpabio’s Defence
Akpabio alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan only made the accusations after her committee and Senate seat were changed.
“This is said to have happened on December 8, a day before my birthday. From that time, nobody—my wife, Nigerians, or even her husband—heard of any such incident until she was reassigned,” he said.
The Senate President also questioned her credibility, suggesting she had made unproven accusations in the past.
“Have you ever wondered about the trauma caused by this same woman to others she has accused before? None has been proven. Do you wonder about the damage to the 10th Senate’s image with these baseless allegations?”
Akpabio further stated that he had interacted with many women in the Senate without any issues, implying that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims were unfounded.
Backlash Against Natasha’s Suspension
Akpabio’s comments follow widespread criticism of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi condemning the decision.
Major opposition parties have also accused the Senate of creating a hostile environment for women in politics.
Despite the backlash, Akpabio maintained that the suspension was based on misconduct and disregard for Senate rules, not the sexual harassment complaint.