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Abuja – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has firmly denied explosive allegations made by UK-based businesswoman Sandra Duru (also known as Prof Mgbeke). Duru accused the suspended senator of fabricating sexual harassment claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a Facebook livestream. The allegations made by Duru are “entirely untrue,” according to Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In the livestream, Duru alleged Senator Natasha tried to recruit her with large sums of money for a media smear campaign targeting Akpabio. Duru claimed the goal was to politically undermine President Tinubu by removing a key ally. She broadcast audio clips purported to be phone conversations with Senator Natasha to support her claims.
Natasha Fires Back: Claims are “Manipulated”
Responding swiftly, Senator Natasha dismissed Duru’s accusations as completely false and manipulative in a statement on Friday. She asserted that Duru was acting out a script prepared by Senate President Akpabio.
“I have carefully watched a livestream done by one Sandra C. Duru,” Senator Natasha stated. “The content… including the voice attributed to me, is entirely untrue and has been manipulated to serve Sandra Duru’s ulterior motive of executing Senator Godswill Akpabio’s script.”
She added, “To the best of my knowledge, those words are false and did not arise from any legitimate interaction involving me.” The senator also highlighted Duru’s previous online identity, Prof. Mgbeke, and promised a more detailed response later. This strong denial addresses the core allegations.
Deepening Rift: Suspension and Protests
This latest exchange escalates an already tense situation.
- Initial Accusation: In February, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, claiming inappropriate remarks and suggestions. Akpabio denied the claims.
- Suspension: In March, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months without pay for alleged “unruly conduct” following a seating arrangement dispute. Her harassment complaint was dismissed on procedural grounds.
- Backlash: Akpoti-Uduaghan called her suspension punishment for rejecting Akpabio’s alleged advances. The Senate offered to lift the suspension for an apology. Protests erupted nationwide under the banner “We Are All Natasha.”
- International Appeal: Branding it a “witch-hunt,” the senator took her case to a UN event, seeking global support against the Senate’s actions.
An attempt to recall the senator was dismissed by INEC. This conflict follows a previous incident where Akpabio publicly reprimanded her in the Senate chamber, drawing criticism for sexism, which led to an apology from him. The allegations and counter-claims continue to unfold.
By Abiodun Labi
