Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has openly criticized Senator Natasha Akpoti for what he described as an act of national embarrassment during her recent appearance at the United Nations (UN) meeting. Akpabio accused Natasha of distorting facts and presenting misleading information to the international community regarding the sexual harassment allegations that she had previously raised.
Recall that on Tuesday, March 12, Senator Natasha Akpoti attended the UN Internet-Parliamentary Conference in New York, where she claimed that the Nigerian Senate had suspended her due to her sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio. Her statement stirred controversy, drawing attention from both local and international observers.
During a Senate plenary session held on Thursday, March 13, Senate President Akpabio expressed his displeasure over Natasha’s statements, stating that she had misrepresented the situation and had unfairly portrayed the Nigerian Senate before the global audience. He insisted that her claims did not align with the true facts of the case and that such actions were harmful to the integrity of the legislative body.
While addressing the matter, Akpabio said:
“I am aware that she distorted the facts and globalized the matter, embarrassing the Senate by giving a different narrative. I appreciate Hon. Kafilat for stepping forward to clarify to the international media that what was presented was completely different from reality.”
He further explained that Senator Akpoti had initially brought her petition before the Nigerian Senate but did not allow due process to take place. Instead, she took the matter to court and later escalated it to an international level. Akpabio expressed concerns that such actions might have far-reaching consequences, particularly discouraging politicians from appointing women to key leadership positions.
“She brought the matter before the Senate through a petition but did not allow us to examine it. Instead, she took it to court and later to the international community. Actions like these could discourage politicians from appointing women into key positions.”
The controversy surrounding Natasha Akpoti’s statements at the UN meeting continues to spark debates in Nigeria, with many expressing different opinions about the implications of her actions.