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ITA-GIWA DISMISSES AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN’S SEXUAL HARASSMENT CLAIM AGAINST AKPABIO

Former Presidential Adviser and ex-senator, Florence Ita-Giwa, has rejected Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Ita-Giwa stated that female senators are beyond the reach of sexual harassment, emphasizing that they are equals in the Senate and should not allow such issues to affect them. Akpoti-Uduaghan had alleged that Akpabio blocked her efforts to raise motions concerning the Ajaokuta Steel Company due to her refusal to engage in a sexual relationship with him. However, Ita-Giwa countered that once women become senators, they have passed the stage of their lives where they can be sexually harassed. “By the time you contest elections and get to the Senate, you have passed that stage of your life,” Ita-Giwa remarked. “You go there to serve, and you are all equal.” She further emphasized that claiming sexual harassment as a female senator is a sign of weakness. Ita-Giwa clarified that she was not discrediting Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims but insisted that female senators should see themselves as equals to their male colleagues. “I am not saying the lady is lying, but when you get to the Senate, you’re there as a person. You’re not there as a woman,” she said.

THE SENATE PRESIDENT, SEXUAL HARASSMENT, AND THE HYPOCRISY AGAINST LECTURERS

In recent years, Nigerian lecturers have been vilified, scapegoated, and subjected to intense scrutiny under the guise of moral purification. The National Assembly went as far as passing a law prescribing severe punishment for any lecturer accused of harassment—ensuring that even mere courtship with a student could lead to dire consequences. This legislative aggression cast lecturers as the primary culprits of moral decadence in higher institutions, making it seem as though no other sector in Nigeria had issues with abuse of power or exploitation. Yet, today, the very same National Assembly finds itself entangled in a sexual harassment scandal of the highest order. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has come forward with damning allegations that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, harassed her. This is not an isolated incident—he was similarly accused by the former head of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) when he was a minister. This raises a crucial question: What moral standing does Akpabio, and indeed the Senate as an institution, have to legislate on morality when its own leader is facing accusations of sexual misconduct? If a lecturer, regardless of proof, is presumed guilty and subjected to severe punishment based on mere allegations, why should different standards apply to the Senate President? Shouldn’t Akpabio, in line with the principles of fairness and accountability, immediately step aside for an independent investigation and potential prosecution? The credibility of governance is on the line. The Nigerian people are watching. If Akpabio is allowed to remain in office while facing these serious allegations, it only confirms what many already suspect—that power in Nigeria is a shield for impunity, and laws are designed only for the weak, not the powerful. If the National Assembly truly believes in justice, then it must demand Akpabio’s resignation pending the outcome of an investigation. Anything less would be outright hypocrisy. The same Senate that swiftly passed a law demonizing lecturers must now demonstrate consistency. The moral cleansing they so eagerly pursued must begin at home. If justice is truly blind, then Akpabio must face the same scrutiny and consequences they have imposed on others. The choice before the Senate is clear: uphold justice or expose itself as an institution of double standards. Dr. I. M. Lawal, ABU, Zaria lawalabusalma@gmail.com

ALEMA OF WARRI KINGDOM SPEAKS OUT ON WIFE’S DISPUTE WITH SENATE PRESIDENT

High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom, has broken his silence on the ongoing dispute between his wife, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio. In a statement released on March 1, 2025, High Chief Uduaghan expressed his concerns about the harassment his wife has endured from the Senate President. “I had initially resolved to refrain from commenting on the ongoing dispute between my beloved wife, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio. However, recent developments have compelled me to issue this statement,” High Chief Uduaghan said. He emphasized that his wife was duly elected by her people due to the immense love, respect, and confidence they have in her. “She is a devoted wife, and the bond we share is deep and unwavering. She has always remained truthful, even in the face of adversity,” he added. High Chief Uduaghan revealed that he personally met with the Senate President and respectfully urged him to extend the courtesy and respect his wife deserves. “We reached an understanding and agreed to resolve the issue amicably. However, despite this agreement, my wife continues to express concerns about the harassment she has endured from the Senate President,” he said. He expressed his unwavering faith in his wife’s loyalty and commitment to their marriage. “I would never trade her for anything, as she is the greatest joy of my life. I now respectfully urge the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate President to treat my beloved wife with the respect and dignity she truly deserves while the relevant authorities and the court determine the underlying issues,” High Chief Uduaghan concluded.

SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN ACCUSES SENATE PRESIDENT GODSWILL AKPABIO OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has made shocking allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of sexual harassment. In a television interview on Friday, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that Akpabio’s actions towards her began on December 8, 2023, during his birthday celebration in Akwa Ibom. According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, Akpabio made inappropriate comments and physical contact while showing her around his house, with her husband present. She quoted Akpabio as saying, “he wants me to come and be spending special moments in his house.” Her husband allegedly warned her to avoid being alone with Akpabio after the incident. The senator also alleged that Akpabio attempted to block a motion she proposed to investigate corrupt practices at the Ajaokuta Steel Company. She claimed that Akpabio told her, “Natasha, I’m the Chief presiding officer of the Senate, you can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me. Make me happy.” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that she has evidence to support her allegations, including printed screenshots of conversations between her and Akpabio, which she challenged the Department of State Services (DSS) to verify. She described her situation as “a case of a student being punished by a lecturer for refusing to sleep with him”. The allegations come amid a recent disagreement between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio, which led to a heated exchange on the Senate floor and her referral to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for review.