Natasha Akpoti Accuses Akpabio Of Inappropriate Remarks About Her Waist

Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of making inappropriate comments about her waist movements. She made this revelation in an exclusive interview with BBC, where she also claimed that Akpabio would frequently squeeze her hands in a suggestive manner.

“We women understand what it means when a man squeezes our hands in that way,” she remarked.

During the interview, Akpoti recounted an incident where she forgot to wear her wedding ring to work. She stated that Akpabio, in the presence of five other senators, commented, “Oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring… is this an invitation to treat?” She further alleged that he once said, “Natasha, your husband must be really enjoying. It looks like you’d be able to make good movements with your waist.”

Akpoti expressed disappointment that such remarks were met with laughter from fellow senators. She emphasized that many people fail to understand the burden of enduring such comments and lamented that discussions on such issues remain limited in Nigeria and Africa.

The controversy surrounding Akpoti intensified after she was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for what was described as “gross misconduct and unruly behavior.” Her suspension followed a heated disagreement with Akpabio over seating arrangements. Notably, this action came just a day after she had submitted a petition accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. However, the Senate maintained that her suspension was unrelated to the petition.

For further reading on workplace harassment and gender discrimination, visit BBC News.