Sexual Harassment: Natasha lied against me— Akpabio

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has denied allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Akpabio reacted to the allegations on Wednesday at the resumption of plenary in the Senate, after a week’s recess.

Dismissing the allegations, Akpabio said, “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.

“I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria, “ he added.

However, immediately after Akpabio’s remarks, Akpoti-Uduaghan raised a petition under Order 40, accusing the Senate President of sexual harassment and abuse of office.

The female lawmaker requested permission to step forward and formally lay the petition before the chamber.

The Senate, eventually referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, directing it to review the matter as soon as practicable.