The allegation of sexual harassment levelled against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, took another turn on Saturday when High Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, the husband of Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, said he was aware of the claims by his wife.
He noted that he had spoken to Akpabio about the matter before and resolved with him, until his wife complained that the alleged harassment did not stop.
Uduaghan asked the Senate President to treat his wife with respect and dignity.
The feud between the Akpabio and Natasha started last week when the relocation of the Kogi lawmaker’s seat in the Red Chamber without her consent delayed plenary proceedings for some minutes.
Matters got worse when Akpabio directed security personnel to walk her out of the chamber, leading to the intervention of other legislators.
On Friday, Natasha took things a notch higher when as a guest of Arise Television Breakfast Show she accused Akpabio of subjecting her to the needless ordeal because she turned down sexual advances from him.
Although the Ethics and Privileges Committee of the Senate is expected to come up with its report next week, the two warring camps continue to fire salvos as both Akpabio’s wife, Unoma; and Natasha have both headed to court in search of justice.
Respect my wife – High chief Uduaghan
High Chief Uduaghan, who is the Alema of Warri Kingdom, in a statement made available to journalists in Warri on Saturday, noted that he had planned to refrain from commenting on the dispute “but recent developments have compelled me to issue this statement”.
He said, “It is clear that certain sentiments are being stirred up unnecessarily, distracting from the serious underlying allegations, which should concern every discerning individual with sound family values.
“Without prejudice to the ongoing legal proceedings, I wish to emphasise that my wife was duly elected by her people due to the immense love, respect, and confidence they have in her and she is committed to deliver quality representation to her district and the nation at large. She is a devoted wife, and the bond we share is deep and unwavering.
“She has always remained truthful, even in the face of adversity.
“My wife had confided in me about her interactions with the Senate President, whom I considered a family friend.
“In response, I approached the matter with the utmost maturity and responsibility, as it is my duty as a traditional leader who has immense respect for constituted authority and upholds core family values, foster peace and harmony.
“I personally met with the Senate President and respectfully urged him to extend the courtesy and respect my wife deserves, while also honoring the friendship between us.
“We reached an understanding and agreed to resolve the issue amicably.
“However, despite this agreement, my wife continued to express concerns about the harassment she endured from the Senate President.
“I have unwavering faith in my wife’s loyalty and I’m fully committed to our marriage, which is grounded in love, compassion, and mutual respect.”
Saraki seeks transparent probe
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, in his reaction, called for the protection of the parliament in the matter.
In a statement he signed and released to journalists on Saturday, Saraki also called for respect to be accorded to the institution of the Senate as relevant authorities seek solution to the crisis currently rattling the hallowed law making body.
He urged that the constitution and rules of the Senate be adhered to in resolving the issue, adding that the resolution should be transparent to unravel what transpired between the two legislators.
“This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the committee to aid it in the conduct of a transparent and open investigation.
“I remember during the eighth Senate when a senator claimed that I imported an official car for my use as Senate President and that customs duty was not paid on the vehicle. Since I knew the claim was false, the matter was referred to the Ethics Committee and I appeared before the committee to testify, in the full glare of the media. From my testimony, it was clear the senator who made the allegation got his facts wrong and was only being mischievous.
“Also, on the day the committee submitted its report for debate on the floor, I stepped down and allowed my deputy to preside. The transparent manner in which the investigation and the debate on the report were handled assured everybody that there was no case. This is a precedent that the leadership of the 10th Senate should follow.
“In my case, the decision to allow an open investigation and subject myself to it was not an easy one. It was humbling but I realised that was the best decision and in the end, I am happy I travelled that route,” he added.
Saraki cautioned against subjecting the Senate to any form of discrimination.
He said, “Due process should be followed in this case such that where anybody is found to have committed any wrong, the wrong should be pointed out and corrected. Also, the right remedy should be made.
“Let me make it clear without any ambiguity that I am neither stating that Akpabio is guilty of anything nor am I expressing the opinion that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is right in her actions and claims. My position is that an investigation is needed to find out the truth and protect the integrity of the Senate.
“For me, the institution of the Senate is so important, sacred and pre-eminent. All lovers of democracy should always work to strengthen it. No leader or member should be allowed to openly or surreptitiously work to subvert its sanctity.”
Women protesters threaten Kogi lawmaker
Meanwhile, a group of women in Akwa Ibom State, as well as others from the Niger Delta region, on Saturday, took to the streets to protest against Natasha’s allegation, describing it as unfounded.
The women said the allegation was a ploy to discredit and tarnish the image of Akpabio, emphasising that they would not allow a fellow woman bring down their son (Akpabio).
The protesters marched round the streets of Uyo metropolis, displaying placards with various inscriptions depicting the purpose of their protest.
One of them, Mrs Grace Mathias, said women from Akwa Ibom would not tolerate any “disrespectful behaviour” from anyone against their elders.
She warned that if Akpoti-Uduaghan continued with the allegation, they would pray to God to release “spiritual cane” that would put her in order.
She said, “We, the women of Akwa Ibom and Niger Delta are saying that, this should be the first and the last time you will be addressing our son in such a disrespectful manner. We are out here today to tell you, Natasha, that our son is precious to us, in this area we respect our men, we don’t disrespect them, so we want to tell you to stop harassing our son.
“If we hear about this again, we will go down on our knees to pray against you and God Almighty will release cane and that cane will flog you. No peace for the wicked and for plotting evil against our son; evil will return to you because you want to bring bad name to our son. Your plan will not work in the life of our son.”
Reno explains rift with Natasha
Reno Omokri, a former Special Assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan, called on the Senate leadership to investigate the allegations against Akpabio.
Omokri, who had also been accused by Natasha of sexual harassment, in a statement posted on his X handle (formerly Twitter) urged Nigerians to leave him out of the ongoing rift between Akpabio and the Kogi lawmaker.
He noted that he was prevailed upon not to take legal action against Natasha, who he said accused him wrongly of sexual harassment without evidence.
“I believe that the right thing to do would be to institute a Senate investigation by the appropriate committee to determine the veracity of the present allegations,” Omokri said.
I have enough evidence – Akpoti-Uduaghan
But Natasha, in a letter dated March 1, 2025, and addressed to Akpabio’s wife, advised the latter to refrain from getting involved in the matter.
Mrs Akpabio, while responding to the Senator’s allegations against her husband, held a press conference in Abuja, asserting that the Senate President was innocent.
The letter, written through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, stressed that the accusations were personal to the Senate President and he should be left to defend himself.
Natasha said she had endured harassment from Akpabio but was now compelled to speak out.
She also noted that she had enough evidence to back up her claims.
“Our client has concrete evidence to substantiate her allegations. We will suggest that you leave the defence of the allegations for the Senate President to maintain your sanity and that of your family.
“Our client remains resolute in the defence of Nigerian women and as a family woman, she will continue to maintain our common heritage and family values,” the letter read.
Previous sexual allegation
This is not the first time the Senate President is being accused of sexual harassment.
In 2020, while serving as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, a former acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Joy Nunieh, accused Akpabio of sexual molestation.
Coincidentally, it was on the same television station where Akpoti-Uduaghan made her claim that Nuineh granted an interview and levelled allegations against Akpabio.
Speaking as a guest of Arise Television, the ex-NDDC boss said, “Why did he not tell Nigerians that I slapped him in his guesthouse at Apo? I am the only Ogoni woman, the only Nigerian woman that has slapped him. I slapped him because of his plan B. Since he couldn’t get me to take that money, he thought that he could come up on me.
“He didn’t know that I’m a Port Harcourt girl. Port Harcourt girls are not moved by money…by somebody telling me that he will make me the substantive MD. Akpabio’s meetings with me were either at Apo or Meridien…Yes, I am accusing him of sexual harassment.”
Akpabio, however, said Nunieh had a temperament issue and urged her to see a medical doctor.
NANS, group demand probe
Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students and the Ojo Women Action for Political Actualisation have called on the Federal Government to resolve the rift between Akpabio and Natasha.
In a statement by its National Vice President, Sileola Akinbodunse, NANS urged the senators to sheathe their swords for peace to reign.
The statement read, “The National Assembly is a key organ of the government, which should be occupied by exemplary and forthright representatives of the people. The face-off between Senators Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Godswill Akpabio should not be allowed to fester.”
Akinbodunse observed that though Natasha had not substantiated her allegation, the matter should be looked into with a view to ascertaining the veracity of her claims.
She said, “We will not hesitate to march to the National Assembly if the face-off is not resolved.”
Also, the Ojo Women Action for Political Actualisation called on the wife of the President, Senator Remi Tinubu, and the Senator representing Lagos West senatorial district, Oluranti Adebule, to weigh in on the matter.
According to the convener, Oluyomi Coker, the matter should be investigated. He added that there was the need to speak out against women bias.
