Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed calls for his resignation following sexual harassment allegations made by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, insisting the claims are baseless and will not distract him from his legislative duties.
“Who told you I was going to step down?” Akpabio said during Thursday’s plenary session. “I am not one of those who step down for what is false.”
He emphasised that “at whatever level allegations arise, we will demand evidence and act in the overriding public interest.” The session saw the Senate pass four key tax reform bills.
The controversy began after Akpoti-Uduaghan, suspended on March 6 over a chamber seating dispute, alleged that Akpabio had harassed her and orchestrated her suspension for rejecting his advances. She raised the issue internationally during a Women in Parliament session at the UN.
In protest, she posted a satirical video apology on April 27, mockingly saying she was “sorry for the crime of maintaining dignity and self-respect.” The post drew backlash and legal action from Akpabio, who is now asking the court to compel her to delete the video, publish a public apology, and swear an affidavit of compliance.
Justice Binta Nyako had earlier issued a gag order, barring public comments on the matter while it remains under judicial review. Akpoti-Uduaghan has also filed a suit challenging her suspension and the Senate’s investigation into her conduct.