Former Education Minister, Oby Ezekwesili, has called out Senate President Godswill Akpabio for allegedly dodging efforts to clear his name in the sexual harassment case brought against him by suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Ezekwesili accused Akpabio and the Nigerian Senate of persistently blocking any opportunity for a fair and impartial investigation into the serious allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan. She expressed disappointment over the Senate’s handling of the issue, stating that the legislative body should be at the forefront of ensuring justice and fairness rather than shielding its own from accountability.
During an interview and in multiple posts on social media, Ezekwesili voiced her frustration with what she described as the Senate's deliberate attempt to suppress the allegations and silence Akpoti-Uduaghan. She stated that the senator, who accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, has been systematically denied the opportunity to present her case through an independent inquiry.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously alleged that Akpabio made unwanted sexual advances toward her, even in the presence of her husband. She further claimed that after rejecting these advances, she faced retaliatory actions from the Senate President, which eventually led to her suspension from the Senate.
Ezekwesili took to X (formerly Twitter) to call out Akpabio and the Senate, writing:
“This morning, I again remembered the all-time quote of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan:
‘This injustice shall not be sustained.’
“I wholeheartedly agree. Societies that have sustained injustice remain trapped in the cycle of economic stagnation, widespread poverty, and deepening inequality. The only path to progress is through justice and fairness for all.
“It is unacceptable that the @NGRSenate and @Senator_Akpabio continue to deny their courageous colleague, Senator @NatashaAkpoti, the right to a fair hearing and an impartial investigation regarding her sexual harassment petition against the Senate President.
“Why is Senator Akpabio obstructing every opportunity for an impartial Senate inquiry into this matter? If he is innocent, why is he dodging the chance to clear his name? These are serious allegations, and refusing an investigation only raises more questions.
“Why are Senator Akpabio’s colleagues in the Senate enabling this obstruction? Are they complicit in denying justice, despite the very ‘Senate Rules’ they used to illegally suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan?
“The Senate cannot simply move on as if this matter never happened. Justice cannot be ignored. Accountability and transparency are fundamental, and due process must be followed.
“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not standing alone in this fight. The Nigerian people, and those who believe in justice, stand with her. We
will not be silent.”