The Nigerian Senate has stated that it will not investigate the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing the absence of an official complaint.
Speaking on Sunday, Senate spokesperson Adeyemi Adaramodu clarified that no formal petition had been submitted to the legislative body regarding the accusations.
This position comes amid growing calls for an open investigation, including demands from the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF).
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan recently alleged on a national television program that she was being victimized by Akpabio after rejecting his sexual advances. In response, Akpabio’s wife, Nnoma, denied the claims and has since filed a ₦250 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Addressing the matter, Adaramodu explained that the Senate does not act based on media reports or social media claims.
“There is no official complaint about sexual harassment before the Senate from Senator Natasha or anyone else. The Senate does not pick up allegations from television or social media,” he said.
He further noted that the only matter currently before the Senate Ethics Committee is related to a breach of Senate Standing Orders, which led to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s disciplinary referral.
“There is nothing beyond that for now,” he added. “If any official complaint is submitted, it will be handled accordingly. But at this moment, no such complaint has been made.”
Similarly, Eseme Eyiboh, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan had not raised the sexual harassment allegation within the Senate or included it in any legal documents filed in court.
“For instance, she has taken the matter to court, but nowhere in her statement of claims does she mention sexual harassment,” Eyiboh said.
He also pointed out that Akpoti-Uduaghan and her husband had maintained a long-standing relationship with the Akpabio family.
“They have been visiting each other for years. It is strange that she now claims she was harassed in 2023 when their families have been close for a long time,” he remarked.
Eyiboh dismissed the allegations as lacking credibility, stating that those taking them seriously were engaging in speculation.
