Lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has urged Ekaette Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to allow her husband to address the allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him.
Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that the Senate President made inappropriate advances toward her within the Senate chamber and at his private residence in Akwa Ibom, a day before her birthday.
She alleged that the alleged harassment was linked to her push for a debate on corruption at Ajaokuta Steel, which she said was repeatedly blocked.
Ekaette Akpabio dismissed these claims, describing them as false and an attempt to tarnish her husband’s image.
She described him as a disciplined and respectful individual, particularly toward women.
In response, she has filed a defamation lawsuit against Akpoti-Uduaghan, seeking N250 billion in damages.
Through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, Akpoti-Uduaghan sent a letter on March 1, stating that her allegations were strictly against the Senate President and not his wife.
She maintained that Akpabio was capable of defending himself and urged Ekaette Akpabio to refrain from getting involved in the matter.
The letter, sighted by News About Nigeria also mentioned that the senator had endured repeated harassment from Akpabio and had been compelled to speak out about her experiences in the Senate.
It further stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan had evidence to support 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.”
Since making the allegations, Akpoti-Uduaghan has faced backlash from Akpabio’s supporters, who have shared images of her engaging with the Senate President and other lawmakers to dispute her claims.
