The heated exchange between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio is far from over, as Natasha refuses to retract her sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio. Her firm refusal came in response to letters from Olisa Agbakoba SAN, who is representing Akpabio, demanding she withdraws her accusation. Natasha, however, insists she never received those letters and boldly stated, “I stand by my complaint.”
Natasha Denies Receiving Letters
In a formal letter dated 30 April 2025, Natasha told Agbakoba that she had not seen any of the letters dated 14 and 22 April that allegedly demanded a retraction. She made it clear that she received “no letter, no retraction” and maintained that her complaint filed on 28 February 2025 still stands.
Responding to Agbakoba’s claim that her social media post praising Akpabio on 9 December 2023 contradicted her allegation of harassment made on 8 December 2023, she insisted that civility at official events should not be mistaken as approval of misconduct. She said, “Outward civility cannot be transposed into an admission that the misconduct never occurred.”
Agbakoba had claimed that Natasha’s conduct, including selfies with Akpabio at the Inter-Parliamentary Union event in March 2024, weakened her case. But Natasha countered that her silence was in line with the sub judice rule, as two lawsuits related to the issue are currently before competent courts.
Natasha Accuses Senate of Bias and Rights Violation
Natasha also pointed fingers at the Senate, accusing them of violating her rights by suspending her during a session presided over by Akpabio the same man she accused. She argued this action breached basic legal principles such as nemo judex in causa sua (no one should be a judge in their own case) and audi alteram partem (hear the other side).
She also criticised Agbakoba for trying to push her to prove her claims outside the court. She insisted only a court has the power to assess evidence, saying, “A private legal practitioner, however distinguished, is not vested with adjudicatory authority.”
The senator argued that her suspension was politically motivated and an attempt to silence her, calling the media campaign against her a move to intimidate. She warned that she may take her case to the international stage, if her constitutional rights continued to be violated, stating, “I reserve every right, municipal and international, to seek redress.”
Natasha Repeats Harassment Claim Despite Senate Pressure
Despite growing pressure, Natasha is standing firm. She said her allegations are true and she is ready to prove her case in court. According to her, Akpabio made sexual comments suggesting her legislative proposals would only be considered if she “took care” of him—a statement she interpreted as a sexual advance.
Akpabio, on his part, denied ever harassing any woman and said the court will determine the truth.
On 6 March 2025, the Senate suspended Natasha for six months without pay for what they called “unruly conduct.” The Senate dismissed her petition on technical grounds, saying it lacked a sponsor.
Her suspension sparked protests across Nigeria under the slogan “We Are All Natasha,” with rallies in Lagos, Kaduna, Edo, and Enugu. She responded by filing a suit at the Federal High Court and speaking out at a UN forum, calling her suspension “illegal.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) later rejected a petition to recall her, saying it failed to meet constitutional requirements.
In July 2024, Akpabio insulted Natasha in the Senate chamber after she spoke without recognition, saying, “We are not in a nightclub.” The remark sparked backlash and was labelled sexist by many Nigerians.
Natasha Refuses To Retract Sexual Harassment Allegation Against Akpabio
From start to finish, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan refuses to retract her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She insists that her claims are true, maintains her right to speak, and is prepared to face the court. Her decision to challenge the Senate’s action has drawn national and international attention. And despite efforts to silence her, she stands firm, declaring: “I stand by the allegations in my petitions… the Court alone has the exclusive preserve to exercise judgement.”
