Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has denied Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegation of sexually harassing her.
Akpabio made the rebuttal at the resumption of plenary on Wednesday, after a week recess.
It would be recalled that the Kogi Central Senator had accused Akpabio of making sexual advances at her during a live telecast.
247nextnews.com reports that trouble began on February 20, when Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that her seat was re-allocated in the upper chamber without her knowledge.
The matter was referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions of the Senate with the mandate to submit its report within two weeks.
But, at plenary on Wednesday, Akpabio said: “On the 28th day of February, there were some serious allegations making the rounds in the social media and the TV of a purported harassment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“While I am aware that the matters are in Court. However, I would like to state clearly that at no time did I ever attempt this sexual harassment of the said Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman.
“I and my siblings were raised very well by my late single mother who died in 2000 through very difficult times. I, therefore, have the highest regards for women.
“At no time did I ever harass any woman, and I will never do so,” he said.
Akpabio said that even as a state Governor, he won various awards, including the most gender-friendly.
“If you wish to know, I was the most gender-friendly Governor in Nigeria. I served between 2007 and 2015 to the glory of God.
“In conclusion, I urge all Nigerians, particularly the media and the social media, to await the Court’s decision and please do not jump into conclusion on matters of mere allegations,” he said.
Meanwhile, police operatives deployed to the National Assembly had, earlier in the day, dispersed some protesters, believed to be Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters, from accessing the complex.
