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Harassment: Akpabio, Natasha To Appear Before Senate Committee

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1 day ago

Mar 15, 2025.

Akpabio, Natasha To Appear Before Senate Committee Over Alleged Harassment.
Natasha accused Akpabio of harassment during a visit in December 2023.
Akpabio denies allegations, calls for fair hearing and due process.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan are set to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions (SCEPPP) over allegations of harassment leveled against Akpabio by the Kogi Central senator.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the development was confirmed by Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.

Nwebonyi stated that all involved parties, including Akpabio and other senators present on the alleged day of the incident, would testify before the committee.

“All the parties involved will appear before the committee, including the Senate President. He will testify, and his testimony will be recorded, along with statements from other senators,” he said.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had on February 28 accused Akpabio of harassment, alleging that the incident occurred in December 2023 during a visit to his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. She claimed that Akpabio held her hand, led her around his house, and made inappropriate advances towards her, even in the presence of her husband.

Senate Deputy Chief Whip Dismisses Allegations

Reacting to the claims, Nwebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North Senatorial District, dismissed the allegations as a distraction.

“In criminal prosecution, there must be prima facie evidence—evidence on the surface. If there is none, then there is no case,” he argued.

He insisted that Natasha’s claims were meant to divert public attention, adding that the Senate remained unshaken by the allegations.

“She knows quite well that what she is saying is to divert attention, but we are not disturbed because we know the truth,” Nwebonyi said.

He further claimed that he was present at the alleged event and would serve as a key witness in the committee hearing.

“On the alleged date of the incident, many senators were there. I am one of the star witnesses, and I will testify to what I saw,” he stated.

Earlier, Akpabio denied the allegations while presiding over plenary on March 5, dismissing Natasha’s claims as false and baseless.

“At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised very well by my late single mother, and I have always upheld respect for women,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President also referenced an award he received as “the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria.”

He acknowledged that he had been receiving calls regarding the matter since February 25 and was aware of the social media discussions surrounding the allegations.

Akpabio, Natasha Senate Committee

“I urge Nigerians, the media, and social media users to refrain from drawing conclusions and instead await the court’s decision on the matter,” Akpabio added.