Senate Spokesman Refutes Akopti’s Harassment Claims

Dismissal of Akopti’s Allegations by Senate Spokesman

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of making inappropriate advances towards her during a visit to his residence in December 2023.

In response, Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu stated that the Senate cannot investigate these allegations without a formal petition submitted to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. He emphasized that the Senate operates based on official procedures and does not act on claims made solely in media appearances.

Additionally, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, the Deputy Chief Whip, who was present during the December 2023 visit, refuted Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations, asserting that Akpabio did not engage in any inappropriate behavior on that occasion.

Furthermore, Akpabio’s wife, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, has dismissed the allegations and initiated a defamation lawsuit against Akpoti-Uduaghan, seeking ₦250 billion in damages.

The Senate maintains that without a formal complaint, it cannot proceed with any investigation into the matter.