‘I’ve never sexually harassed her’ — Akpabio speaks on Natasha Akpoti’s allegation

Senate President Godswill Akpabio says he has never sexually harassed any woman.

Akpabio spoke during plenary on Wednesday, as Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, formally submitted her sexual harassment petition against him on the floor of the senate. 

The former governor of Akwa Ibom said he has been inundated with phone calls from many Nigerians on the allegation which he dismissed as false. 

“At no time did I ever attempt any sexual harassment on the said distinguished senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman for that matter,” Akpabio said. 

“I and my siblings were raised very well by my late single mother, who died in 2000, through very difficult times. And I therefore have the highest regard for women.

“I also have four beautiful daughters. At no time would I ever harass any woman and I have never done so. 

“Even as a state governor, I won several awards, including the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria.”

The senate president thanked his colleagues and other Nigerians for their “calls of support, solidarity and prayers”, adding that he would be vindicated. 

“I urge all Nigerians, particularly the media, and members of the social media, to await the court’s decision. And please, do not jump to conclusions on matters of mere allegation. 

“The Almighty God will step in to vindicate the just.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with Akpabio on February 20 over seating arrangements. She was thereafter referred to the senate’s disciplinary panel for further action.

On February 25, she filed a N100 billion defamation lawsuit against the senate president.

A federal high court in Abuja has restrained the senate from commencing disciplinary hearings against the Kogi lawmaker.