New details on Senator Natasha Akpoti-uduaghan’s Senate petition filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of sexual harassment, abuse of posts and obstructing legislative responsibilities.
Naija News The petition dated March 4, 2025 was formally filed on Wednesday.
Akpoti-uduaghan claims that Akpabio made misprofits when she visited his residence at Akwa Ibom on December 8, 2023.
She claimed that despite her husband’s presence, the Senate president made inappropriate remarks and suggested that she should “spend a quality moment” with him.
Allegations in the petition
The senator further claimed that in May 2024, Akpabio invited her to her private residence in Abuja under the pretext of discussing legislative matters. Allegedly, at the meeting, he said:You know I’m the president of the Senate; I’ll give you whatever you want, all you have to do is make me happy. ”
The petition quotes Akpabio as saying:Senator Natasha, if you take care of me and make me happy, you can enjoy a lot.transparent
Akpoti-uduaghan claims she refused to comply with her motion about Ajaokuta Steel being repeatedly removed from Senate order documents.
The petition also cites an incident during the Senate meeting, where Akpabio allegedly called her a “nightclub girl.” Although he later apologized, she described the words as part of a broader pattern of intimidation.
Additionally, she accused Akpabio of abuse of his office by plotting a removal from office as chairman of the Senate Local Content Committee. She linked the action to the advocacy of Ajakuta’s mini-financed natural gas (LNG) project, which she claimed was attempting to undermine projects in the Niger Delta region.
The petition mentions previous allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio, including the charges of Dr. Joi Nunieh (NDDC), former acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Akpoti-uduaghan believes that such behavior should not be tolerated and requires a thorough investigation.
Senate response
The petition urges the Senate committee to investigate the allegations and ensure responsibility. Akpoti-Uduaghan also referenced a confrontation with Akpabio during a plenary session on February 20 over seat arrangements, stating, “On this date, the Respondent, in a display of malice, refused to allow me to respond to a point of order raised against my conduct, calling on the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove me from the Senate and summary suspension me.”
But Tribune Online reported Wednesday that the Senate Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petition Committee rejected the petition, calling it “dead upon arrival.”
At the plenary meeting, Akpabio denied the allegations, “I have been grown up by my late single mother and I have always insisted on respect for women.”
