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Natasha Submits Affidavit, Links Akpabio To Past Misconduct Allegations

ByTitilope Adako

PublishedMarch 26, 2025

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has submitted an affidavit to the Senate Ethics Committee, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, abuse of office, and obstruction of legislative duties.

In the affidavit, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that Akpabio made inappropriate advances towards her, stating, “Natasha, I am the Chief Presiding Officer of the Senate, and you can enjoy a whole lot from me if you take care of me and make me happy.”

The affidavit detailed an alleged incident on December 8, 2023, during a visit to Akpabio’s country home in Akwa Ibom State, where she claimed he made unsolicited advances while giving her a tour.

She said Akpabio suggested bringing her back to the house to have a quality moment together and proposed converting part of his house into a nightclub setting to host a party.

She alleged that after rejecting Akpabio’s advances, he began obstructing her legislative work, including blocking her motion on the revitalisation of Ajaokuta Steel Company.

“That this motion was listed on the order paper more than 5 (Five) different occasions. In some occasions, when the motion was listed on the order paper, the Senate President declined to take same for reasons which I believe were connected to my outright refusal to accede to his advances.”

She claimed some senators advised her to approach Akpabio privately, which she initially hesitated to do due to her past encounter with him.

However, she said she later summoned the courage to meet him in his office, where he allegedly reiterated his advances: “Natasha, I am the Chief Presiding Officer of the Senate and you can enjoy a whole lot from me if you take care of me and make me happy.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan stated, “That I verily believe that the obstruction of my legislative motions was not unconnected to my refusal to accede to the advances made by the Senate President.

“That I know for a fact that this is not the first time Senator Akpabio has been accused of such misconduct against women, as similar allegations have been made against him in the past, including but not limited to Dr. Joy Nunieh, former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), who publicly accused Senator Akpabio of sexual harassment and claimed that she had to physically defend herself from his advances.”

Regarding her removal as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Nigeria Local Content Development, she stated, “That on the 30th day of January 2025, an executive order was given by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the commissioning and establishment of Five (5) mini-Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.

“That as a Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District and Chair-person, Senate Committee on Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board, there was an erroneous assumption that this project was under my control and same was influenced by position.”

“That based on this erroneous presumption, Senator Godswill Akpabio abruptly without prior notice removed me as Chair-person, Senate Committee on Nigeria Local Development Content on 4th February 2025 to limit my involvement in the LNG Project.

“Consequently, he championed media propaganda and publications through Senior Legislatives Aides advocating that the projects be relocated to the Niger Delta region.”

She further alleged, “That I also reasonably believe that the summary decision by the Senate President to allow me respond to a serious allegation of flagrant disregard against my person was equally malicious, in spite of the privilege raised by me.

“I reserve my right to provide further particulars and evidence to support my allegations contained in the petition.

“That I depose to this affidavit in good faith, believing the content to be true and correct and in accordance with the Oaths Act.”

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.