By Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, formally submitted a petition to the Senate on Wednesday, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. The petition was presented during plenary, escalating the ongoing rift between the two lawmakers.
Standing under Order 40 of the Senate Rules, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that she had previously spoken about the alleged harassment during a live appearance on Arise News Channel. However, she said it was necessary to officially bring the matter before her colleagues in the Senate.
According to her, the allegations involve repeated inappropriate advances by Akpabio, including incidents that allegedly occurred at his residence. By filing the petition directly in plenary, the Senator ensured the matter would be recorded in the Senate’s official proceedings.
Senate President Akpabio, who was presiding over the session at the time, listened to her submission. In response, he directed Senator Natasha to go ahead and present her petition formally, which she did without interruption.
The petition adds fresh fuel to the crisis rocking the upper chamber, deepening the divide between Akpabio’s allies and those rallying behind Senator Natasha. Some lawmakers whispered among themselves as the petition was laid, signaling tensions could escalate further.
So far, Akpabio has denied all allegations, describing them as “completely false and politically motivated.” However, with the petition now officially in Senate records, the controversy is set to dominate political conversations in the days ahead.
