Senate President Godswill Akpabio said that the sexual harassment allegation against him by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was unfortunately traumatising the 10th Senate.
Akpabio said the allegation was sadly coming from a woman who had accused other people in the past but unable to prove any so far.
Addressing participants at an event to commemorate International Women’s Day, Senator Akpabio, maintained his innocence.
He said that he would be vindicated as all previous allegations by Natasha ended up being false alarms.
According to Akpabio: “It is only yesterday [Friday] that I realized what we are talking about only happened when there was a change of seat. That is when hell was let loose and all sorts of allegations came up.
“Only after the change of seat and change of committee which my Senators know happen from time to time.
“This is said to have happened on the 8th of December, a day to my birthday which was celebrated in the Stadium in 2023.
“So from 8th of December 2023, I never heard, my wife never heard, no Nigerian ever heard, even the husband never heard any issue of sexual harassment until her committee was changed and then her seat was changed.
“Have you ever wondered the trauma caused by that same woman on the other people she has accused in the past. None has been proven so far.
“Do you even wonder the trauma this caused to the 10th Senate and the image of the Senate with all this useless allegations. I have refrained myself from making a statement.
“Look at these beautiful women. They have come across me so many times. Have I ever harassed any one of you? Or is the person thinking that you are not beautiful?”
Recall how the National Assembly (NASS) has come under the spotlight since Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial district on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), levelled sexual harassment allegations against Senator Akpabio.
Amid the allegation, the Kogi Senator had gone ahead to submit a petition against Akpabio, which was promptly thrown out by the committee on ethics on technical ground.
She also submitted another petition after correcting the perceived flaws in the first petition that was invalidated by the Senate panel kn Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
The Committee subsequently recommended that Senator Natsaha be suspended for six months for breach of the Senate rules and for improper conduct.
Meanwhile, the Senate sanctions on the Kogi lawmaker has elicited mixed reactions, with some individuals, groups and Civil Rights activists urging Akpabio to step down as President of the Senate and allow an independent investigation to take place.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
