HOS Drama : Kogi Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Accuses Senate President Godswill Akpabio of Sexual Harassment; Akpabio Denies Claims
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment — an allegation Akpabio has strongly denied through his media consultant, Kenny Okulogbo.
Akpoti-Uduaghan made the accusation during an interview with Arise Television on Friday, claiming that Akpabio had blocked her legislative motions from being heard on the Senate floor after she rejected his alleged advances.
The Kogi senator further alleged that after turning down Akpabio’s overtures, she faced ongoing harassment and character defamation both in his home in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and in his office.
Detailing the alleged incident, Akpoti-Uduaghan said, “My issue with Akpabio started on December 8, 2023. We visited his house in Ikot-Ekpene — my husband, Akpabio, and I. At one point, he held my hand and said he wanted to show me around his house. I noticed he quickened his pace while still holding my hand, and we reached a particular sitting room.
“He asked, ‘Do you like my house?’ I said, ‘Of course, yes.’ Then he told me, ‘Now that you are a senator, you’ll create time for us to spend quality time here — and you will enjoy it.’”
Akpoti-Uduaghan also claimed that on the Senate floor, she was advised by fellow senators to approach Akpabio to move a motion regarding the Ajaokuta Steel project. When she did, Akpabio allegedly responded, “Natasha, I am the Chief Presiding Officer of the Senate. You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me and make me happy.”
“At that point, I told him I would pretend I didn’t hear that,” she added. “My situation is like that of a student being punished by a lecturer for refusing to sleep with him.”
In response to the allegations, Akpabio’s media consultant, Kenny Okulogbo, dismissed the claims, calling them “a tissue of lies.”
Speaking to PUNCH Online, Okulogbo alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan was simply disgruntled over her removal as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content.
“All that Senator Natasha said is a tissue of lies. She’s only angry because she was removed as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content,” Okulogbo said. “The Senate President will respond soon, and an official statement will be released.”
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