The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions (SCEPPP) is set to hear testimonies from Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Kogi Central lawmaker Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan regarding allegations of sexual harassment. This was confirmed by Senate Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwebonyi during an appearance on Channels Television on Friday.
Nwebonyi stated that other senators who witnessed the alleged incident will also be called to testify. “All parties involved will appear before the Committee, including the Senate President. He will testify, and his testimony will be recorded, as will those of other senators,” Nwebonyi said.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accused Akpabio of sexual harassment during a visit to his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in December 2023. She claimed that during this visit, the Senate President held her hand, led her around his house, and made inappropriate advances, even in front of her husband.
The allegations have ignited controversy within the Senate and beyond. However, Nwebonyi dismissed the claims as attempts to divert attention, asserting that there is no credible evidence to support the accusations. “In criminal prosecution, there is what we call prima facie evidence. If there is none, then there is no case,” he argued. Nwebonyi added, “She knows quite well that what she is saying is to divert attention, but we are not disturbed because we know the truth. I am one of the star witnesses and will share what I saw.”
The situation escalated when the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing violations of Senate rules, shortly after she submitted her petition against Akpabio. Akpabio has vehemently denied the allegations.
In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan took her case to the global stage, addressing the Women in Parliament session at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting at the United Nations in New York. “I was suspended illegally because I submitted a petition for sexual harassment against the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio,” she stated. She expressed disappointment that instead of a fair investigation, she was silenced and suspended.
She framed her suspension as part of a broader issue of gender exclusion in Nigerian politics, saying, “My suspension is not just about me. It’s about the systemic exclusion of women from political leadership in Nigeria.”
Senate President Akpabio has adamantly refuted the allegations, urging the public not to jump to conclusions. “At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised well by my late single mother and have always upheld respect for women. I was even awarded the title of most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria,” he stated.
Akpabio acknowledged the intense public scrutiny and social media discourse surrounding the issue, calling for restraint. “I have been inundated with calls regarding this matter since February 25. I am aware of the growing discussions on social media, but I urge Nigerians, the media, and social media users to refrain from making conclusions.”
As the Senate Committee prepares for testimonies from both parties and other witnesses, the case continues to attract national and international attention, raising critical questions about gender equity, political accountability, and justice within Nigeria’s legislative system.
