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London – Senate President Godswill Akpabio has vehemently denied accusations of sexual harassment leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, recently suspended by the Senate. Akpabio isn’t just dismissing the claims; he’s turning the tables, alleging that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations have caused him considerable personal trauma.
Speaking at an International Women’s Day event, Akpabio didn’t mince words. He stated Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations were demonstrably false, going so far as to question the impact of such accusations on those wrongly targeted. “Have you ever wondered about the trauma caused by that same woman on the other people she has accused in the past?” he asked pointedly. “None has been proven so far.”
Adding fuel to the fire, Akpabio questioned the suspiciously convenient timing of the harassment allegations. According to him, the accusations only surfaced after a shift in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate seat and committee assignments. “It is only yesterday that I realised that what we are talking about only happened when there was a change of seat,” Akpabio declared. “From December 8, 2023, I never heard, my wife never heard, no Nigerian ever heard, even the husband never heard any issue of harassment until her committee was changed and then her seat was changed.” He implies a clear motive behind the allegations: political maneuvering.
Suspension Sparks Outrage
The Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan has ignited a firestorm of controversy. Critics are blasting the move as unjust, accusing the Senate of silencing a dissenting voice. Was this a fair disciplinary action, or a calculated attempt to suppress a senator who dared to challenge the status quo?
Heavyweights Weigh In
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi have entered the fray, issuing stern warnings to the Senate. They’re urging caution, emphasizing the importance of protecting female voices in politics and preventing a toxic environment fueled by harassment claims, especially when the accusations appear politically charged. The stakes are high, and the Senate’s next move will be closely watched.
