The controversy surrounding Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio has escalated, drawing international attention.
Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her during a visit to his residence in December 2023. The senator took her case to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in New York, seeking justice and global intervention after the Nigerian Senate suspended her for six months without investigating her claims.
Akpabio has denied the allegations, insisting he has “always upheld respect for women.” The Senate, however, claimed her suspension was due to her refusal to comply with new seating arrangements following the defection of two opposition senators to the ruling party.
Speaking at the IPU session, Akpoti-Uduaghan stated, “I was suspended illegally for filing a petition against the Senate President. I expected a fair investigation, but instead, I was silenced.”
The IPU has pledged to investigate the matter, emphasizing the need to hear Akpabio’s side before taking further action. Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a case in a Nigerian court challenging her suspension.
Senate Majority Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele defended the Senate’s decision, stating that the chamber could not investigate the sexual harassment claim since the matter is already in court. However, he hinted that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension could be lifted if she apologizes.
As the drama unfolds, the international community is closely watching how Nigeria’s legislative body handles the situation.