The embattled lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has taken her grievances to international media, appearing on the prominent British television network, Sky News, where she detailed her alleged ordeal of facing persistent sexual advances from Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
During the interview broadcast on Wednesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that her suspension from the Senate was a direct result of her refusal to comply with Akpabio’s alleged demands rather than the reported allegations of gross misconduct cited by the Senate.
She insisted that her outspoken stance against what she described as ongoing harassment led to her current predicament.
The senator alleged that Akpabio continually pressured her to “please him” to fully enjoy her entitlements and benefits as a senator.
According to her, the Senate President’s advances spanned over a year, with him allegedly implying that her political privileges were tied to her willingness to satisfy his personal desires.
“I experienced sexual harassment over the past year in the hands of the Senate President, and this sexual harassment, because I refused to yield to his demands, turned into malice whereby my rights and privileges as a senator were deprived.”
“I found the courage to speak up; yes, the breaking point was moving me from that seat; I have had to endure a whole lot in silence.”
According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, the alleged harassment began during a pre-birthday gathering held at Akpabio’s residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on December 8, 2023.
The senator claimed that while she was touring the house alongside her husband and Akpabio, the Senate President held her hand and made inappropriate remarks suggesting they should spend quality time together at his residence.
Describing the incident, she recalled, “He held my hands and he said he wanted to show me around his house… He said, ‘now that you are a senator, I’m going to create time for us to come and spend quality time here. You will enjoy it.’”
As she put it, “You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me and make me happy.”
When questioned about the Senate’s claim that her suspension was due to gross misconduct, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the assertion, describing it as a deliberate attempt to silence her voice.
She maintained that the official reason given for her sanction was nothing more than a strategic move aimed at undermining her credibility following her allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
