Deputy Chief Whip Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi has firmly denied the sexual harassment allegations leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Speaking on Arise TV on Monday, March 3, 2025, Nwaebonyi, who was present at Akpabio’s birthday celebration in December 2023, refuted the claims, stating that the Senate President did not make any inappropriate advances toward Natasha.
“The Senate President did not touch Natasha, let alone harass her,” Nwaebonyi asserted. He provided a detailed account of the events, recalling that he traveled with Senator Natasha and her husband to the celebration and witnessed her staying behind due to discomfort with her shoes, while he and other senators toured Akpabio’s residence.
However, Senator Nwaebonyi, who was present at Akpabio’s birthday event, strongly denied the allegations. He stated that he was an eyewitness to the events of that day and insisted that the Senate President did not engage in any form of harassment.
“On the issue of sexual harassment as alleged by Natasha, as God would have it, I am an eyewitness, and as I posted on social media, I narrated what transpired,” Nwaebonyi said. “On that fateful day of December 8, 2023, I was among the senators who attended the birthday ceremony of the Senate President.”
Nwaebonyi provided a detailed account of the day, explaining that he traveled with Senator Natasha and her husband from Senator Attah Airport to Uyo. He recalled that Natasha complained about her shoes hurting and stayed behind with her husband while he and other senators toured Akpabio’s residence.
“I remember very well, as we were coming down from the vehicle, she was complaining about her shoes paining her, and she and her husband had to stay back while I rushed inside to join other senators to inspect the building of the Senate President,” he said.
Nwaebonyi emphasized that Senator Natasha did not join the group during the tour of the residence and that Akpabio never made any inappropriate advances toward her. “The Senate President did not touch Natasha, let alone ask her to come and have a good time at his residence,” he stated.
The allegations have stirred controversy in Nigeria’s political landscape, with many calling for a thorough investigation to ascertain the truth. Senator Nwaebonyi’s account adds a new dimension to the story, challenging Senator Natasha’s version of events.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are urging both parties to address the matter with transparency and integrity to maintain public trust in the Senate and its leadership. The controversy highlights the need for clear mechanisms to address allegations of misconduct within Nigeria’s political institutions.
