Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has urged Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to refrain from getting involved in the ongoing allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation against her husband.
The dispute has intensified in recent days, drawing widespread attention. It began when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to occupy a designated seat in the Senate chamber, citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules.
The situation escalated further after her appearance on Arise News last Friday, where she accused Senate President Akpabio of blocking her motions, tarnishing her reputation, and intimidating her after she allegedly rejected his sexual advances.
In response, Mrs. Akpabio held a press conference in Abuja, dismissing the allegations as baseless. She emphasized the longstanding cordial relationship between their families, which predates Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s marriage.
However, in a letter dated March 1, 2025, and addressed to Mrs. Akpabio through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan firmly advised her to stay away from the matter.
The letter, titled ‘Stay Away from Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sexual Harassment and Intimidation Allegation Against Sen. President Godswill Akpabio; To Safeguard Your Sanity , and That of Your Family,’ emphasized that the allegations were directed at the Senate President and that he should respond to them personally.
According to the letter, “Our Client is not desirous of calling you out into the unfortunate saga concerning her allegations against the Senate President, and wishes that you restrain yourself from delving into the obscene circumstances. While she has tolerated all the harassment from the Senate President, she was constrained to reveal the unfortunate torture and victimization which she has been going through in the red chambers under the hand of the Senate President.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that she had solid evidence to back her claims and urged Mrs. Akpabio to let her husband address the issue independently.
“Our client has concrete evidence to substantiate her allegations. We will suggest that you leave the defense of the allegations for the Senate President to maintain your sanity and that of your family,” the letter stated.
The Senator also reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for Nigerian women and upholding family values.
“Our client remains resolute in the defense of Nigerian women and as a family woman, she will continue to maintain our common heritage and family values,” she asserted.
