Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has formally submitted a petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of sexual harassment.
Speaking under Order 40 of the Senate Rules during Wednesday’s plenary session, Akpoti-Uduaghan informed her colleagues that she had previously made the allegations during an interview on Arise TV and was now officially presenting them before the Senate.
In response, Akpabio directed her to proceed with the submission, after which the petition was immediately referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for investigation.
Earlier in the session, Akpabio strongly refuted the allegations, maintaining that he had never harassed any woman.
“At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised very well by my late single mother, and I have always upheld respect for women. I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria,” he stated.
The Senate President also acknowledged that he had been inundated with calls regarding the matter since February 25 and was aware of the widespread discussions on social media.
While reaffirming his innocence, Akpabio urged Nigerians to refrain from making premature judgments and allow the legal process to determine the truth.
The petition has sparked significant public debate, with many closely watching the Senate’s next steps in addressing the allegations.
