Senate President Godswill Akpabio has denied allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him by the Senator representing the Central Senatorial District of Kogi State in the National Assembly (NASS), Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, insisting that he has always upheld respect for women.
Akpabio while speaking at the resumption of plenary on Wednesday, after a week-long recess, dismissed the claims, describing them as unfounded and baseless.
He said, “I would like to state clearly that at no time did I ever attempt any sexual harassment on the said Distinguished Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman for that matter.
“I and my siblings were raised very well by my late single mother. She died in the year 2000, through a very difficult time,” the senator.
Akpoti-Uduaghan Submits Petition To Senate
Shortly after Akpabio’s remarks, TheNewsGuru reports that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan officially filed a petition to the Nigerian Senate against Akpabio over sexual harassment and abuse of office.
Natasha filed the petition during a plenary session of the Senate on Wednesday after citing Order 40 of the Senate’s rules.
“The petition is in my name against the president of the Nigerian Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio for sexual harassment, abuse of office, and malicious obstruction of my legislative functions
“You may recall, sir that on Friday in Arise TV, I did made some statements. And I have decided to narrow these statements in a formal petition against the President of the Senate.
“So, if it may please you, I will humbly step forward and lay this petition,” Senator Natasha said before proceeding to lay the petition.
“You may proceed,” Senator Akpabio, who presided over the plenary, said before Senator Natasha laid the petition.
