The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, are set to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions (SCEPPP) over allegations of sexual harassment.
This was confirmed by the Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, who stated that other lawmakers would also testify before the committee regarding the claims made against Akpabio by Senator Natasha.
“All the parties involved will appear before the committee, including the Senate President. He will testify, and his testimony will be recorded, along with those of other senators,” Nwebonyi said.
Natasha’s Allegations
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alleged that the incident occurred in December 2023 when she and her husband visited Akpabio’s residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
She claimed that during the visit, the Senate President held her hand, led her around his house, and made inappropriate advances towards her, even in the presence of her husband.
Senate Deputy Whip Reacts
Reacting to the allegations, Senator Nwebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North, dismissed Natasha’s claims, suggesting that they were meant to divert public attention.
“In criminal prosecution, there must be prima facie evidence—evidence that exists on the surface. If there is no prima facie evidence, then there is no case,” he stated.
“She knows very well that what she is saying is a distraction, but we are not disturbed because we know the truth,” he added.
Nwebonyi further claimed that several senators were present on the alleged date, and he positioned himself as a star witness for the case.
“I was there. I will come forward and tell the world what I saw,” he declared.
With the Senate Ethics Committee set to probe the matter, all eyes are now on the proceedings to determine the outcome of the allegations against the Senate President.
