Kogi Central Senator Alleges Senate President Made Advances, Influenced Legislative Proceedings
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of making inappropriate advances toward her, including flirtatious remarks in the presence of her husband.
Speaking on AriseTV’s Morning Show, Natasha detailed encounters at Akpabio’s residence in Ikot Ekpene and later in Uyo, where she claimed the Senate president attempted to establish an improper relationship with her.
“Akpabio Harassed Me in My Husband’s Presence”
Recounting the incident, she stated: “At first, we were in his house in Ikot Ekpene for his birthday. Later, we moved to his house in Uyo around 8 p.m. He held my hand and said he wanted to show me around his house. My husband was walking behind us, just the three of us. We went from room to room as he showed me the interior. Then he hastened his pace while still holding my hand.”
She further alleged that at one point, Akpabio remarked: “Now that you’re a senator, I’m going to create a time for us to come spend quality moments here. You will enjoy it.” Natasha said she immediately pulled away, confused by the remark, and observed her husband’s reaction.
According to the Kogi senator, Akpabio’s behaviour extended beyond personal interactions, influencing Senate proceedings. She claimed that motions she attempted to move were repeatedly blocked by the Senate President.
“In February, I wanted to move a motion. It was listed on the order paper for the sixth time. Just before it was taken, he would say, ‘Oh, Senator Natasha, we can’t take this motion because the mood of the Senate does not accommodate it.’”
She alleged that when she approached Akpabio privately to discuss the issue, he responded: “You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me and make me happy.” She stated that she chose to ignore the comment and left his office.
Natasha further disclosed that her husband, unaware of the alleged proposition, met with Akpabio in London to plead for the motion to be considered. She likened her experience to that of female students who face academic victimization for refusing inappropriate advances from lecturers.
“You know the situation in universities where a student is continuously failed just because she has not slept with the lecturer? That’s what I’ve been facing, in simple terms.”
As of press time, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has yet to officially respond to the allegations.
— Arogbo-Ibe Voice Reporters
