Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Claims Senate Troubles Stemmed from Rejected Advances by Akpabio
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has leveled serious allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, claiming her recent difficulties in the Senate began after she rejected his sexual advances. Speaking in an interview with Arise TV, Akpoti-Uduaghan described her experience as one where a “student” was being “punished by a lecturer” for refusing to comply with unwelcome demands.
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The senator’s comments come after a heated confrontation between herself and Akpabio during a plenary session on February 20, when a disagreement over a seat reassignment led to a dramatic exchange. Akpoti-Uduaghan stood her ground, refusing to vacate her designated seat, which escalated into a public dispute.
The Alleged Advances and the Fallout
During the interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan provided further insight into the events she believes triggered her current issues within the Senate. According to the senator, the trouble began in December 2023, during a visit to Akpabio’s home in Akwa Ibom State for his birthday celebration. Akpoti-Uduaghan was accompanied by her husband, and it was there, she claims, that Akpabio made inappropriate advances.
Describing the incident, Akpoti-Uduaghan recalled being escorted around Akpabio’s Uyo residence, where he allegedly held her hand while leading her from room to room. At one point, she claimed, Akpabio remarked that he would like to spend more time with her in the future, which she said she interpreted as an attempt to initiate something inappropriate.
“I pulled my hand away at that point,” she recalled, emphasizing her discomfort with the situation. Akpoti-Uduaghan further revealed that her husband, who had been following behind, became suspicious and inquired about the conversation. She chose not to disclose the exact details at the time, but her husband allegedly cautioned her against visiting Akpabio’s guest house alone in the future.
Further Allegations of Coercion
In addition to the December encounter, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making further inappropriate comments during a subsequent meeting in his office. She alleged that during their conversation about her motions being repeatedly blocked, Akpabio told her she could “enjoy a whole lot if you just take care of me.” This statement, she implied, was a veiled offer of personal benefit in exchange for compliance.
The senator’s claims highlight a troubling pattern of alleged coercion, and she insists that her refusal to entertain such advances has led to her current difficulties within the Senate.
Senate’s Response
The controversy has escalated within the Senate, culminating in a referral of Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions on February 25. The referral is in connection with the altercation over the seating arrangements, which the Senate views as a breach of parliamentary decorum.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has yet to receive a public response from Akpabio or his office. Efforts to contact Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Eseme Eyiboh, for comment on the allegations were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages.
The allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan paint a picture of a toxic power dynamic within the Senate, where personal and professional boundaries are allegedly blurred. As this issue unfolds, the Nigerian Senate faces renewed scrutiny over the treatment of its female members and the abuse of power within its leadership.
While the claims remain unverified, the potential ramifications for the Senate’s reputation, and Akpabio’s position, could be significant. The unfolding investigation and disciplinary review are expected to draw further attention to the wider issues of gender, power, and harassment within the political arena.
Reference
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Claims Senate Troubles Stemmed from Rejected Advances by Akpabio