Nigeria’s Senate President Denies Sexual Harassment Claims – BBC Reports
Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has strongly denied allegations of sexual harassment made by a fellow senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, according to the BBC. Akpabio told the senate on Wednesday that he was raised to respect women and has never harassed anyone.
The BBC reports that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances during a visit to his home in December 2023.
She claimed he took her hand, showed her around his house, and made sexual remarks while her husband was nearby. She also alleged that Akpabio hinted she should “take care of him” to get her motions approved in the senate.
Akpabio denied all the claims, saying he has always respected women and was even recognized as the “most gender-friendly governor” during his time as governor of Akwa Ibom state. The BBC highlights that the allegations have sparked a major debate in Nigeria, with many calling for an independent investigation.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki, in a social media post reported by the BBC, said the issue is too serious to ignore. Meanwhile, protesters gathered in Abuja, with some supporting Akpabio and others chanting “Akpabio must go” in solidarity with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The BBC notes that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan submitted a formal petition to the senate, calling for an investigation into Akpabio’s behavior. Akpabio, as senate president, allowed the petition to be reviewed by the senate’s ethics committee.
Before becoming senate president, Akpabio served as governor of Akwa Ibom state and as a minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The BBC reports that this scandal has put a spotlight on Nigeria’s political culture and the treatment of women in leadership roles.
For more details on this story, visit the BBC’s website.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr52vyepp8lo