Senate President Godswill Akpabio has spoken out for the first time since the controversial suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, insisting that she had caused him and other lawmakers immense trauma.
Speaking at an event commemorating International Women’s Day on Saturday, Akpabio dismissed Natasha’s allegations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated. His comments come amid mounting criticism from opposition leaders and rights groups over the Senate’s handling of the matter.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have condemned the Senate’s decision, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent and stifles women’s participation in politics. Major opposition parties have also expressed outrage, arguing that Natasha’s complaint was dismissed without due process.
However, Akpabio defended his stance, stating that none of the allegations leveled against him were true. He suggested that Natasha’s claims only surfaced after her committee assignments were changed, implying a political motive behind her actions.
"It was only yesterday that I realised that all this started because of a change of seat and committee," Akpabio said. "Hell was let loose, and all sorts of allegations came up only after that.
This was supposed to have happened on December 8, a day before my birthday. From then till now, not even her husband, not Nigerians, not even my wife, had heard a single complaint—until now, when her committee was changed and her seat was reassigned."
The Senate President further claimed that Natasha had a history of making unproven accusations against others, questioning why none of her past claims had ever been substantiated.
"Have you ever wondered about the trauma caused by this same woman to others she has accused in the past? None of those allegations have been proven. Do you even consider the damage done to the 10th Senate and its reputation with these baseless accusations?" he asked.
In an attempt to refute the allegations of misconduct, Akpabio turned to the women present at the event, saying, "Look at these beautiful women.
They have come across me so many times. Have I ever harassed any one of you? Or is the person thinking that you are not beautiful?"
His remarks have further fueled public debate, with critics accusing him of trivializing the issue of sexual harassment while failing to address the broader concerns about how the Senate handled Natasha’s suspension.
Meanwhile, women’s rights activists and opposition figures continue to demand an independent review of the case, arguing that Natasha was unfairly targeted for speaking out.
The controversy has cast a shadow over the Senate’s leadership, with many calling for reforms to ensure gender equity and fair treatment of women in Nigerian politics.