Senate President Godswill Akpabio dismisses Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegations, claiming they surfaced after her committee reassignment. Speaking at International Women’s Day, he questioned female senators if he had ever harassed them. The Senate later suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan, sparking backlash over gender politics and accountability in Nigeria.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has publicly dismissed allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, suggesting that the claims arose only after her Senate committee and seat were reassigned. Akpabio made these remarks during an International Women’s Day event in Abuja on Friday, March 7.
Addressing an audience that included female lawmakers, Akpabio questioned the legitimacy of the allegations, emphasizing that he had never faced such accusations before the committee reshuffling. He pointed out that the claims surfaced months after the alleged incident, stating that neither his wife, the public, nor even Akpoti-Uduaghan’s husband had previously heard of any such misconduct.
"Look at these beautiful women. They have come across me so many times. Have I ever harassed any one of you? Or is the person thinking that you are not beautiful?" Akpabio asked, appearing to mock the allegations.
The controversy has sparked widespread debate, with many criticizing Akpabio’s response as dismissive and inappropriate. Social media reactions have been divided, with some supporting the Senate President while others argue that his statements undermine the seriousness of sexual harassment allegations.
The political fallout intensified when the Senate suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months on Thursday, citing violations of Senate rules. Critics view this as an attempt to silence her, further fueling concerns about gender equity and accountability in Nigeria’s political landscape.
As the debate continues, advocacy groups and opposition voices are calling for a transparent investigation into the allegations, rather than dismissing them as politically motivated.
