Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has formally submitted a petition to the Senate, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
Speaking under Order 40 of the Senate Rules on Wednesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that while she had previously made the allegations during a national television interview, she was now officially presenting them before the Senate.
Akpabio, in response, allowed her to proceed with the submission.
Her petition submission came just hours after rival protests erupted outside the National Assembly. Her supporters called for Akpabio’s resignation, while a pro-Akpabio group dismissed the allegations as baseless.
Shortly after the submission, tensions flared as Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North) and Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) challenged the petition’s legitimacy.
Monguno argued that the matter could not be referred to the Ethics Committee since Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ekaette Akpabio, the Senate President’s wife, were already in court over a related issue. He insisted that, in line with the Senate Standing Orders, the petition should not be entertained because Akpoti-Uduaghan personally signed it.
Senator Bamidele supported Monguno’s stance and advised that the Senate move into a closed-door session to discuss the issue. However, Akpabio ruled that the chamber would proceed with the day’s business, as visitors were present in the gallery.
Responding to the allegations, Akpabio strongly denied ever harassing Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman.
“I would like to state clearly that at no time did I ever attempt any sexual harassment on the said Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman for that matter,” Akpabio said.
He emphasized that he was raised by a single mother and had four daughters, insisting that he had always respected women. The Senate President also pointed to past recognitions, including being honored as “the most gender-friendly governor” during his tenure as Akwa Ibom State Governor.
“I urge all Nigerians, particularly the media and members of the social media, to await the court decision and not jump to conclusions on matters of mere allegations,” Akpabio added.
The petition submission follows a heated confrontation between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio during a Senate plenary session two weeks ago.
The Kogi Central senator had protested the reassignment of her seat, accusing the Senate President of victimization. She arrived at the chamber to find her nameplate removed and her seat changed, leading to a dramatic confrontation where she demanded an explanation in a raised voice.
