Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of making inappropriate and suggestive remarks about her. According to her, one of the comments included a statement where Akpabio allegedly said that her waist would make “good movements.”
The senator, who was suspended from the Senate on March 6 on allegations of “gross misconduct,” believes that her suspension was a deliberate attempt to silence her. She stated that just a day before her suspension, she had officially submitted a petition accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment.
In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Akpoti-Uduaghan further alleged that Akpabio had a pattern of making inappropriate comments towards her. She claimed that he would frequently pass suggestive remarks, hold and squeeze her hands in a manner she found inappropriate, and on one occasion even said, “Oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring… is this an invitation to treat?”
During the interview, the senator became emotional and broke down in tears, expressing the deep distress she has endured. “People don’t understand what it means to carry this. I just want to work in peace,” she said, revealing how much the situation has affected her personally and professionally.
Meanwhile, Senate Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwaebonyi has dismissed the allegations, asserting that the claims made by Akpoti-Uduaghan are baseless. According to him, Senate President Akpabio never engaged in any form of harassment against her.
In response to the allegations, Akpabio himself has denied all accusations, stating, “I have the highest regard for women.” He insisted that the claims were unfounded and that he has always conducted himself with respect and integrity.