Senate President Godswill Akpabio has refuted Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims of sexual harassment against him.
At the Senate’s plenary session on Wednesday, following a one-week break, Akpabio refuted the accusation.
He said, “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. I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria.”
Akpabio claimed to be aware of the conversations on social media and to have been contacted over the issue since February 25.
He asked Nigerians and the media to wait for the court’s ruling before drawing any conclusions.
Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a petition under Order 40 shortly after he made his remarks, alleging that he had engaged in sexual harassment and abused his position.
She asked to officially submit the petition to the Senate.
The Senate referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for further investigation.
The controversy started in February when a seat rearrangement led to a clash between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio.
The disagreement has created tension in the Senate, raising concerns about proper conduct among lawmakers.
On Wednesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan sat in her new seat but refused to stand when Akpabio entered the chamber — a break from the usual tradition of showing respect to the presiding officer.
