Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has made serious allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. In an interview on Arise News Channel, the Kogi Central Senator accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances toward her. She claimed her refusal to entertain these advances has led to hostility and victimization in the Senate.
Natasha alleged that Akpabio frequently called her late at night with intimate messages. To address this, she often involved her husband, placing the calls on speakerphone. She believes these advances, which she consistently rejected, are the reason behind Akpabio’s antagonistic behavior toward her.
During the interview, Natasha explained that her refusal to yield to Akpabio’s advances has resulted in unfair treatment in the Senate. She compared her ordeal to that of a student resisting inappropriate advances from a lecturer, emphasizing her determination to maintain her integrity.
Addressing a seating arrangement issue, Natasha explained that while Senate Rule 10 requires senators to speak from their designated seats, issues of privilege allow flexibility. She dismissed criticism that her actions violated Senate rules.
Natasha noted that other female senators have remained silent about her ordeal. She mentioned that Senator Ireti Kingibe criticized her decision to sue Akpabio for defamation instead of offering support.
Natasha also dismissed Akpabio’s nightclub comment as more than a mistake. She claimed that he once suggested organizing a party in a nightclub-like setting for private enjoyment, which she found inappropriate.
Natasha denied corruption allegations leveled against her by a northern youth group, calling the claims baseless. She further alleged that Senate leaders warned her to stop confronting Akpabio, cautioning that any damage to his reputation could affect her negatively.
Natasha recounted an incident during Akpabio’s birthday celebration in Akwa Ibom. She and her husband were given a tour of Akpabio’s house when the Senate President allegedly made inappropriate comments about spending special moments with her. This incident left her and her husband deeply uncomfortable.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Akpabio have raised serious concerns about harassment in Nigeria’s political landscape. She continues to stand by her claims, despite backlash and silence from her peers.
