How Godswill Akpabio Harassed Me Sexually – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Reveals

The ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central shows no signs of resolution.

Following her suspension from the Senate on March 6 for alleged misconduct related to seat rearrangements, Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, claiming he frequently made suggestive remarks toward her.

In a BBC interview, she asserted that her suspension was a tactic to silence her. She detailed instances where Akpabio made inappropriate comments and gestures, including suggestive hand squeezes and remarks about her marital status and physical appearance.

She recounted feeling humiliated, especially when male colleagues laughed at Akpabio’s comments.

She said Akpabio frequently made sexual advances towards her in and out of the Senate chamber — and sometimes before other senators.

She alleged that Akpabio would “squeeze my hands in a very suggestive way.

“There was a time I forgot to wear my ring because I rushed to work. And there were about five senators there. And Akpabio said, ‘Oh, Natasha, you are not wearing your ring… is this an invitation to treat?”

“There was another time he made a statement like ‘Natasha, your husband is really enjoying. It looks like you’d be able to make good movements with your waist’.

“He makes such sexist statements. And then they (other senators) all laughed.”

Breaking down in tears, she spoke of the emotional toll of victim shaming, stating that workplace harassment against women is often overlooked in Nigeria and Africa. However, she found solidarity in female parliamentarians across Africa who reached out with similar experiences.

Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Lokoja has issued an interim injunction preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from processing any petitions seeking her recall.

The move to recall her had gained traction, with some constituents reportedly supporting the process. The court’s ruling, based on an affidavit of extreme urgency, bars INEC and its agents from accepting signatures or conducting a referendum until the case is heard on May 6, 2025.

In a related development, Kenyan Senator Crystal Asige voiced support for Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling for systemic change to address sexual harassment in politics. Speaking in Abuja ahead of a colloquium on “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice,” Asige emphasized the need for legislative reforms to ensure greater inclusion of women and persons with disabilities in African parliaments.

Acknowledging the widespread nature of sexual harassment, Asige shared her own experiences of inappropriate propositions. She attributed the issue to entrenched patriarchy and societal norms that reinforce male dominance, urging a shift in mindset to foster gender equality.