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| Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, today, seated at the controversial newly assigned seat |
In a dramatic turn of events, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has categorically denied allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
The accusations surfaced during an appearance on Arise News’ Morning Show, where Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed she faced victimization and had her privileges revoked after refusing an inappropriate relationship with Akpabio.
Akpabio, known for his advocacy on gender issues, responded during a Senate plenary session. He emphasized that his upbringing by a single mother instilled in him a deep respect for women.
He also highlighted his past recognition as Nigeria’s most gender-friendly governor. Akpabio stated, “At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised very well by my late single mother and I have always upheld respect for women.”
The Senate President has been fielding calls and monitoring social media discussions about the allegations since February 25. He appealed to Nigerians and the media to refrain from making premature judgments, urging them to await the court’s decision on the matter.
In a swift response, Akpoti-Uduaghan raised a petition under Order 40, formally accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office. She requested permission to submit the petition to the Senate, which subsequently referred it to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for further investigation.
The controversy began last month when a seating rearrangement sparked a confrontation between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio. This incident has created significant tension within the Senate, raising concerns about the conduct of lawmakers.
During the plenary session, Akpoti-Uduaghan sat in her new seat but notably refused to stand when Akpabio entered the chamber, deviating from the traditional show of respect for the presiding officer.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Senate will navigate these allegations and maintain a conducive environment for its members. The ongoing investigation by the Ethics Committee is expected to shed more light on the matter and potentially set a precedent for handling similar cases in the future.
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