In a shocking revelation, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and political retaliation after she allegedly rejected his advances. The lawmaker, representing Kogi Central, made these claims during an exclusive interview on ARISE TV, stirring national debate.
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The Allegations Against Akpabio
Senator Natasha disclosed that her issues with Akpabio began on December 8, 2023, when she and her husband attended his birthday celebration in Akwa Ibom. According to her, Akpabio took her on a tour of his residence while holding her hands, with her husband walking behind them.
She alleged that Akpabio then made inappropriate remarks, stating that he wanted her to spend “special moments” with him at his house. Her husband, who overheard the conversation, later advised her against being alone with the Senate President or traveling abroad unaccompanied.
Retaliation for Rejecting His Advances?
The senator further claimed that after she refused Akpabio’s alleged advances, she began facing political obstacles. She cited the repeated suppression of her motion to investigate corruption in Ajaokuta Steel Company, which was only approved after six attempts.
During one of her visits to Akpabio’s office, she reportedly asked him why her motion was consistently sidelined. His alleged response was suggestive:
“Natasha, I’m the Chief Presiding Officer of the Senate. You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me. Make me happy.”
She stated that she ignored the comment, choosing to walk away. However, she likened her experience to that of a student being punished by a lecturer for rejecting sexual advances.
Legal Action Against Akpabio
Senator Natasha has filed a ₦100.3 billion fundamental human rights lawsuit against Akpabio. She also claims to have evidence, including printed WhatsApp conversations, which she challenged the Department of State Services (DSS) to verify.
She insisted that the DSS could extract more details of their interactions since most of Akpabio’s alleged calls were made via WhatsApp.
The friction between Natasha and Akpabio escalated after she discovered that her Senate seat was changed without her consent. Following a heated argument, she was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary review.
The committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun of Edo South, has been given two weeks to investigate the matter and report its findings.
The Larger Implications
Senator Natasha’s allegations have sparked widespread reactions, with many questioning whether women in politics are still vulnerable to harassment despite holding powerful positions. If proven, the case could have serious legal and political consequences for Akpabio.
Meanwhile, Nigerians await the outcome of the Ethics Committee’s review and the legal battle between them.
Source: daily trust
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