In the fundamental rights suit (Suit No: CV/814/25), brought under Section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Article 4 & 5 of The African Charter on Human And Peoples Rights (Ratification And Enforcement Act) Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, Mrs. Akpabio seeks:
A DECLARATION that the allegations made by the Respondent on the floor of the Senate on the 20th of February 2025 and subsequent scandalous and salacious allegations on Arise News TV by the Respondent, constitute a flagrant violation of the fundamental rights of the Applicant guaranteed under Section 34(1) (A) of The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), Article 4 & 5 of The African Charter on Human And Peoples Rights (Ratification And Enforcement Act) Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and Section 14 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015.
“There is no way that a man as disciplined as that can think of taking a woman to his home. He has a lot of respect for me and the children. In Akwa Ibom, when he was a governor, a lot of women were involved in governance, and none of them ever said something like this. The senate president is a very responsible and disciplined man,” she said.
Kingibe tackles Akpoti-Uduaghan
Speaking on Friday as a guest of Arise TV, the Labour Party lawmaker said, “Silence is golden, especially when one of us is not following the rules. And as women, we did not want to come out publicly to say anything negative about her; we were hoping all of this would blow over, as a lot of things do. The Senate is not a place where we are supposed to fight over trivialities like seating arrangements.
“This is about the rules of the Senate. So, I can point out that other women have been moved several times. On that day, I wasn’t there, but I gathered that several men were also moved.”
While noting that though the Senate is “not gender friendly,” it had improved.
“The truth of the matter is, when we make a fuss and draw the attention of the Senate President, he corrects it. Truly, the Senate can do better than it’s doing, but there’s hardly anything that’s been done to us that’s not done to the men.
“The truth is, Senator Natasha has got the most privileges among all four of us (female senators). The seat I sit on now has been moved four times. I want women to know that we have to follow the rules of the institution we chose to enter.”
On the sexual harassment allegation, Kingibe said she was not close to Akpabio to speak on the matter.
“I collected some documents for Senator Natasha, informed her and went to her house. She told me that she was supposed to discuss something with Akpabio but said that he asked her to meet him at a hotel,” Kingibe added.
Akpabio/Natasha saga unfortunate- Sen Garba
Meanwhile, a former federal lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani has called for caution.
“It’s unfortunate that the Senate issue was simply about seat and now about bed. Need for caution and restraint,” he wrote on X on Friday.
Similarly, rights activist Aisha Yesufu posted on her verified X handle to call for the safety of women in the workplace.
The former Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party stated, “Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation.
“The Nigerian Senate represents the voice of the people. Those who serve in it — especially its leadership — must uphold the highest standards of integrity, dignity, and respect, both for their office and for the Nigerian citizens they serve.
“As the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character.”
Atiku urged President Bola Tinubu and the Senate to treat the allegations with seriousness and ensure a credible, transparent, and independent investigation.
The statement added, “Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility.
“The handling of this matter will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the inclusion of women in governance.”
He emphasised that with only four women serving in the Senate, it was crucial to create an environment where female lawmakers could work without fear of harassment or intimidation.
