Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has submitted an affidavit to the Senate Ethics Committee, detailing allegations of sexual harassment, abuse of office, and obstruction of legislative duties against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
According to the affidavit, Akpabio allegedly made unsolicited and inappropriate sexual advances towards Akpoti-Uduaghan during a visit to his country home in Akwa Ibom State on December 8, 2023.
He allegedly suggested bringing her back to the house to have a quality moment together and proposed converting part of the house into a nightclub setting to host a party.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that Akpabio’s actions were an attempt to lure her into an unethical relationship, particularly given his existing relationship with her husband. She also alleged that after rejecting Akpabio’s advances, he began a campaign of obstruction and intimidation against her in the Senate.
The senator representing Kogi Central stated that Akpabio deliberately refused to recognize her motions, including a significant motion on the revitalization of the Ajaokuta Steel Company. She also claimed that Akpabio removed her as Chair-person of the Senate Committee on Nigeria Local Development Content to limit her involvement in the LNG Project.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s affidavit also referenced previous allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio, including those made by Dr. Jol Nunieh, former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The Senate Ethics Committee is expected to investigate the allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan.
