Akpabio punishing me because I refused to sleep with him, Senator Natasha breaks silence

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, claiming that her seat was deliberately moved in retaliation for her refusal to engage in a sexual relationship with him.

The Kogi lawmaker, who has recently been at the centre of a public dispute with Akpabio, made the serious allegations in an interview with ARISE TV on Friday. The controversy began after Akpoti-Uduaghan discovered that her seat in the Senate had been changed without her consent, sparking a heated exchange with the Senate President.

Following the incident, Akpoti-Uduaghan was referred to the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary action. Chaired by Senator Neda Imaseun (LP, Edo South), the committee was tasked with conducting an investigation and was given two weeks to report its findings.

The altercation and subsequent referral have prompted renewed discussions among lawmakers, many of whom emphasised the importance of maintaining decorum within the Senate. A voice vote was conducted to revisit the issue, reinforcing the need to adhere to parliamentary rules.

In addition to the disciplinary proceedings, Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a N100.3 billion suit against Akpabio, claiming a violation of her fundamental human rights. During her television interview, she stated that she has evidence to support her accusations, including testimony from her husband, who is reportedly a witness to the events in question.