Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Wednesday officially submitted a petition to the Senate, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, News360 Nigeria reports.
Citing Order 40 of the Senate Rules during a live session monitored by Vanguard, she stated that while she had previously made the allegations during a televised interview, she was now formally presenting them before the Senate. In response, Akpabio directed her to proceed with the submission.
Akpabio Responded;
In his defense, Akpabio stated, “I would like to state clearly that at no time did I ever attempt any sexual harassment on the said Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman for that matter.”
“I and my siblings were raised very well by my late single mother, who died in the year 2000.”
He further added that he has four daughters and was honored as “the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria” during his tenure as Akwa Ibom State governor between 2007 and 2015.
Akpabio urged Nigerians and the media not to jump to conclusions but to await the court’s decision.
“I urge all Nigerians, particularly the media and members of the social media, to await the court decision and, please, do not jump to conclusions on matters of mere allegations,” he said.
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Moments Of Natasha's Petition, Akpabio's Response