The controversy surrounding the sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio took a new turn on Saturday, as High Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, the husband of Kogi lawmaker Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, confirmed awareness of the claims and urged Akpabio to respect his wife.
Uduaghan revealed that he had previously addressed the matter with Akpabio, and they had agreed to resolve it amicably. However, he alleged that the harassment persisted.
“Respect My Wife” – Uduaghan
In a statement, Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom, emphasized his wife’s integrity and called for dignity in her treatment.
“My wife was duly elected due to the love and confidence of her people. She is a devoted wife, and the bond we share is deep and unwavering. I personally met with the Senate President and urged him to extend the respect my wife deserves. Despite this agreement, she continued to express concerns about harassment,” he stated.
Senate Crisis and Legal Battles
The fallout between Akpabio and Natasha escalated after the relocation of her seat in the Senate without her consent, which led to a heated exchange. Matters worsened when Akpabio ordered security personnel to remove her from the chamber, sparking interventions from fellow lawmakers.
Natasha later alleged in a television interview that Akpabio’s actions were a result of her rejecting his sexual advances. Both parties have since taken legal action, with Akpabio’s wife, Unoma, also heading to court.
Saraki Calls for Transparent Probe
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has urged a fair and transparent investigation into the matter to uphold the integrity of the Senate.
“This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before a committee for an open investigation. The leadership of the 10th Senate should follow this precedent to establish the truth,” Saraki advised.
Women Protesters Rally Behind Akpabio
Meanwhile, women from Akwa Ibom and the Niger Delta staged protests, denouncing Natasha’s allegations as an attempt to tarnish Akpabio’s image.
One protester, Grace Mathias, declared, “We respect our men in this region, and we will not tolerate disrespect towards our son. If Natasha continues, we will pray for divine retribution.”
Natasha Claims to Have Evidence
Through her lawyer, Natasha maintained that she had concrete proof to support her allegations and advised Unoma Akpabio to refrain from defending her husband.
“Our client remains resolute in defending Nigerian women. She has endured harassment but is now compelled to speak out,” the letter read.
Previous Allegations Against Akpabio
This is not the first time Akpabio has faced such allegations. In 2020, former NDDC boss Joy Nunieh accused him of sexual harassment, claims which he dismissed as unfounded.
Calls for Intervention
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and other advocacy groups have called for an official resolution, warning against allowing the crisis to fester.
With tensions rising, the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee is expected to release its report on the matter next week, which could determine the next phase of the controversy.