“Why Natasha made a baseless allegation against me” – Senate President Breaks Silence

Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio has strongly denied allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling them baseless and politically driven.

Speaking at an International Women’s Day event, Akpabio suggested that the accusations were a reaction to changes in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate seat and committee assignment, implying that her claims surfaced only after these adjustments.

“It was only yesterday that I realized that these allegations arose after a change of seat and committee. That is when hell broke loose, and all sorts of accusations were made,” Akpabio stated.

Akpabio Questions Timing of Allegations

The Senate President pointed out that the alleged incident was said to have taken place on December 8, 2023, just a day before his birthday. However, he argued that neither his wife nor the public heard any such allegations at the time.

“From December 8, 2023, until now, I never heard anything, my wife never heard anything, no Nigerian heard anything, even her husband never heard of any issue of sexual harassment—until her committee was changed, and her seat was reassigned,” he emphasized.

Akpabio also highlighted that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had made similar allegations against others in the past, none of which had been proven.

“Have you ever wondered about the trauma caused by this same woman to the other people she has accused? None of those accusations have been proven so far. Do you even consider the damage this has done to the 10th Senate’s image with these baseless allegations?” he questioned.

Backlash Over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension

Following her six-month suspension from the Senate, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations have sparked a heated debate. Critics argue that her suspension could be an attempt to suppress her claims. However, Akpabio defended his integrity, stating that he has worked with many women over the years without any history of misconduct.

“Look at these beautiful women. They have interacted with me many times. Have I ever harassed any one of you? Or is it that the person making these allegations thinks you are not beautiful?” he asked.

As the controversy continues, many Nigerians are questioning whether the Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan was fair or a way to silence her.