Sex harassment: Akpabio, Natasha to appear before Ethics Committee – Sen. Onyekachi Nwebonyi

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, along with the lawmaker representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, are expected to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions (SCEPPP).

This information was disclosed by the Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, during an appearance as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.

Nwebonyi explained that all the parties involved in the matter would be required to appear before the committee, including the Senate President.

He stated that Akpabio would testify before the committee, and his testimony, along with those of other senators, would be recorded.

The issue stemmed from an allegation made by Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who had, on February 28, accused the Senate President of sexually harassing her.

She claimed that the incident had taken place in December 2023 when she and her husband visited Akpabio’s residence in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State.

According to her, during the visit, the Senate President had held her hand, led her around his house, and then made inappropriate advances towards her, even in the presence of her husband.

However, Nwebonyi, who representes Ebonyi North, accused his colleague of attempting to divert attention with her claims.

He further stated that the upper chamber was not disturbed by the allegation.

He referenced the principle of prima facie evidence in criminal prosecution, explaining that such evidence referred to proof that appeared valid on the surface.

He asserted that if no prima facie evidence existed, then there would be no case.

The Senator said, “She knows quite alright that what she is saying is to divert attention but we are not disturbed because we know the truth.

“On the alleged date of the incident, so many senators were there. I’m one of the star witnesses, I’ll come, and tell the world what I saw,” he added.