The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, has strongly denied the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Allegation Against Akpabio
Senator Natasha, representing Kogi Central, recently accused Senate President Akpabio of making inappropriate advances towards her. She claimed that during a visit to Akpabio’s residence in Ikot-Ekpene to celebrate his birthday in December 2023, he allegedly requested an intimate relationship while showing her around his home.
Appearing on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on February 28, 2025, Natasha stated that the Senate President repeated the request when she visited his office to discuss her motion regarding Ajaokuta Steel Company.
Senator Nwaebonyi Dismisses Harassment Claim
However, Senator Nwaebonyi has dismissed the claim, asserting that Akpabio never harassed or even came close to Senator Natasha during the birthday event. Speaking on Arise TV on March 3, 2025, Nwaebonyi stated that he was present at the celebration and witnessed the entire event.
“On the issue of sexual harassment as alleged by Senator Natasha, I was an eyewitness, and I have narrated the real events on social media. On December 8, 2023, I was among the Senators who attended the birthday celebration of the Senate President,” he said.
He further detailed that he traveled in the same vehicle with Senator Natasha and her husband to the event, attending various activities with Akpabio within Uyo before proceeding to Ikot-Ekpene.
Natasha Was Never Alone With Akpabio – Nwaebonyi
Nwaebonyi emphasized that Natasha never accompanied her colleagues on a tour of Akpabio’s residence, as she stayed back in the sitting area with her husband.
“I must state clearly that Senator Natasha never joined us when the Senate President was showing us around. She was in the parlour with her husband, while Akpabio took us through different sections of his home, including a chapel where Catholic senators joined in a Holy Mass,” he added.
He firmly refuted Natasha’s claim that Akpabio invited her to “have a good time” at his house, stating, “There was never a time the Senate President touched Senator Natasha or made any such comment. She knows that very well.”
Motive Behind Natasha’s Allegation
According to Nwaebonyi, Senator Natasha’s claim stemmed from her dissatisfaction with a recent decision to relocate her seat in the Senate and make changes to her committee assignment.
“It is shocking and unfortunate for a Senator to fabricate such a serious allegation simply because of a seat reassignment or committee change,” he remarked.
When asked about the Senate’s response to the matter, Nwaebonyi clarified that the Senate would not act on unverified accusations. “The Senate cannot take action based on hearsay. Senator Natasha has never officially presented any issue regarding this matter,” he concluded.
Conclusion
The allegation made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio remains unproven, with key witnesses denying any inappropriate conduct. As the controversy continues, it remains to be seen whether further evidence will emerge or if the matter will be pursued in any formal capacity.
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