Natasha makes more shocking revelations amid s3xual assault allegation against Akpabio
Natasha makes more shocking revelations amid s3xual assault allegation against Akpabio
Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, has renewed her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, following her suspension from the Senate on March 6 for what was described as “gross misconduct” and unruly behavior over seating arrangements in the upper chamber.
In an exclusive interview with the BBC, the Kogi senator doubled down on her claims, describing the “gross misconduct” charges as a mere pretext to silence her.
She accused Akpabio of making inappropriate and lewd advances both inside and outside the Senate chamber, including in the presence of other senators.
Akpoti-Uduaghan revealed that the Senate President would often “squeeze my hands in a very suggestive way,” further fueling the tense confrontation between the two. As the allegations continue to surface, the clash between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan shows no signs of abating, leaving the Senate engulfed in controversy.
“There was a time I forgot to wear my ring because I rushed to work. And there were about five senators there. And Akpabio said, ‘Oh, Natasha, you are not wearing your ring… is this an invitation to treat?
“There was another time he made a statement like ‘Natasha, your husband is really enjoying. It looks like you’d be able to make good movements with your waist’.
“He makes such sexist statements. And then they (other senators) all laughed.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan broke down in tears when the interviewer asked what impact her victim shaming and intimidation claims have had on her.
“People don’t understand what it means to carry this. Maybe we don’t talk about it enough in Nigeria or Africa,” the senator said in between sobs.
“I just want a place where I would just work. I thought the worst was over, but I guess for a woman, it’s never really over, right?”
Meanwhile, in a significant legal development, the Federal High Court in Lokoja has issued an interim injunction preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting any petitions aimed at initiating a recall process against the suspended senator.
The court, acting swiftly after an ex-parte application, also directed INEC staff and agents to refrain from processing any petition with purported signatures from Kogi Central constituents, effectively halting any recall efforts until further notice.
This court order, granted following an application citing urgent circumstances, places a temporary hold on the recall proceedings.
The legal move, supported by an affidavit from five Kogi Central constituents, was championed by Smart Nwachimere, Esq. from West-Idahosa, SAN & Co. The case will return to court on May 6, 2025, for a progress report and additional proceedings.
Adding international weight to the case, Kenyan lawmaker Senator Crystal Asige has voiced her support for Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging for justice in light of the sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This global call for justice reflects growing attention to the senator’s claims.
