Akpabio Denies Sexual Harassment Allegations, Senate Committee Rejects Natasha’s Petition
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has strongly denied allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasizing that he has never engaged in such misconduct. Reaffirming his respect for women, Akpabio stated that the matter was already before the court and urged Nigerians to refrain from jumping to conclusions.
The controversy took another turn as the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition against Akpabio, further complicating the already tense situation in the red chamber. The dismissal came after heated debates and opposition from key Senate leaders, who argued that the petition was inadmissible under Senate rules.
Senate Committee Throws Out Petition Amid Tension
Confusion ensued as Akpabio, despite resistance from some lawmakers, insisted that the committee proceed with an investigation into the allegations against him. His decision was met with strong opposition from Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, who pointed out that Senate rules prohibit a serving senator from personally signing and submitting a petition against Senate leadership. However, Akpabio maintained his stance and refused to call for a closed session, allowing both local and international observers, including a UK parliamentary delegation, to witness the proceedings.
Bamidele and Monguno argued that the petition violated Senate Order 40, which states that no senator may personally sign and submit a petition regarding their own case. Nevertheless, Akpabio allowed the matter to be referred to the Ethics Committee, which ultimately ruled that the petition was invalid and could not be entertained.
Akpabio’s Defense and the Role of International Observers
Addressing the allegations, Akpabio described them as “spurious,” asserting that he holds the highest regard for women, shaped by his upbringing by a single mother and his role as a father to four daughters. He highlighted his past recognition as Nigeria’s “most gender-friendly governor” during his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015.
“In February 2025, there were some spurious allegations making the rounds in the social media and on television of a purported harassment by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. While I am aware that the matters are in court, I would like to state clearly that at no time did I ever attempt any sexual harassment,” Akpabio stated.
He urged Nigerians, particularly the media, to allow the legal process to unfold rather than drawing premature conclusions.
The UK parliamentary delegation present at the Senate included Kate Osamor, David Mundell, Dame Karen Buck, Lord Jonathan Oates, Dr. Beccy Cooper, and Fred Thomas. Their presence underscored the international attention the case has attracted.
Court Intervenes in Senate Ethics Committee’s Proceedings
In a parallel development, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted an interim injunction restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics from probing Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged misconduct in the chamber. Justice Obiora Egwuatu ordered the suspension of the hearing, pending further legal review. Despite this, the Ethics Committee proceeded with its session, dismissing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition as “dead on arrival” due to procedural violations.
Committee Chairman Senator Neda Imasuen defended the panel’s decision, citing Senate Order 40, which disqualifies a senator from presenting a petition they have personally signed. He also emphasized that matters pending in court are beyond the jurisdiction of the Senate Ethics Committee.
“The petition, as presented, is fundamentally flawed and runs contrary to our standing orders. A senator cannot submit a petition about themselves, signed by themselves. That petition ought to have been presented by another senator. Therefore, it cannot be entertained,” Imasuen declared.
Kogi Stakeholders and Security Clampdown on Protesters
Amid the controversy, a group known as the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders distanced itself from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions and issued an apology to Akpabio. AbdulRaheem Adeku, the group’s convener, dissociated Kogi Central from the senator’s claims.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated outside the National Assembly as security operatives dispersed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters, who had gathered for a protest. The demonstrators, led by lawyer Victor Giwa, carried placards and banners but were driven away with tear gas by unidentified security personnel.
Peter Obi Criticizes Political Distractions
Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi weighed in on the ongoing controversies, lamenting the excessive focus on distractions rather than addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges. He cited the Akpabio-Akpoti-Uduaghan dispute, the Lagos State House of Assembly crisis, and the Rivers State executive-legislative conflict as examples of misplaced priorities.
“Our leaders should be focusing on providing urgent, transformative solutions to the myriad problems facing Nigerians. Instead, we see national discourse consumed by trivialities, from sexual harassment allegations to legislative infighting and budget-padding scandals,” Obi stated.
He urged the three arms of government—the executive, legislature, and judiciary—to prioritize stability and governance over unnecessary political conflicts. Obi also clarified that he had not referred to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on Rivers State as “reckless,” refuting claims misattributing such remarks to him.
The Senate’s handling of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition has exposed deep procedural and political divides within the red chamber. While Akpabio has sought to clear his name, legal and parliamentary disputes continue to unfold, raising questions about due process and the balance of power within Nigeria’s legislative framework. As the matter remains in court, the controversy is far from over, keeping political observers and Nigerians alike on edge.
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Akpabio Denies Sexual Harassment Allegations, Senate Committee Rejects Natasha’s Petition