Sexual Allegation: Submit Yourself For Investigation If You Are Clean – Natasha Tells Akpabio

The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has replied to the Senate President, Godsaill Akpabio, over his comment that the suspended lawmaker traumatised others with her unfounded allegations.

The Kogi lawmaker said she was not the first to accuse the Senate President of sexual harassment, urging him to submit to an investigation.

Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the claims by the Senate President, insisting that a formal investigation was necessary to establish the truth.

Speaking through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, the Senator also pointed out that a similar allegation of sexual harassment was made against Akpabio by a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Joy Nunieh.

“If Akpabio makes such a statement, the question anybody will ask is why are there two allegations of sexual harassment against him? Joy Nunieh made the same allegation, and now it is Natasha. Akpabio should subject himself to investigation,” he stated.

Giwa said Akpabio was attempting to manipulate Senate proceedings to avoid scrutiny.

He further alleged that Akpabio was using his position to victimise the lawmaker following her refusal to yield to his advances.

“Is it true that Natasha has been prevented from participating in international engagements involving senators? Is it true that she has been forced to use her funds for official trips while others have their expenses covered? These are hard facts that need to be addressed,” he said.

Giwa also maintained that his client would not back down from her legal battle against the Senate President despite efforts from various stakeholders, including the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Imaan Suleiman.

“She welcomes the involvement of the Women Affairs Minister and others who are trying to mediate. A meeting between them is scheduled for next week,” he said.

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Meanwhile, the Director of Women Empowerment and Legal Aid, Mrs. Funmi Falana SAN, described the suspension of the senator as a “disgraceful display of power.”

Falana, in a statement on Saturday, threatened to drag members of the Senate who are lawyers before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee if the suspension was not reversed.

According to the wife of human rights activist Femi Falana, SAN, the Senate exhibited gross impunity by suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan without a fair hearing.

Mrs Falana said, “By suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan without affording her the opportunity to substantiate the allegation of sexual abuse levelled against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate violated her fundamental right to fair hearing guaranteed by section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.

“Having sworn to comply with the provisions of the Constitution without fear or favour, the gross impunity exhibited by the senators cannot be justified. The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate is a disgraceful display of power.

“On two occasions the Senate had suspended two of its members – Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and Senator Ali Ndume. On both occasions, the Federal High Court declared the suspensions illegal and unconstitutional.

“In the case of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Federal High Court had restrained the Senate Committee from hearing the complaint against her pending the determination of the motion on notice.

“Since the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot be justified under the Constitution and the Rules of the Senate, the Senate is advised to lift the suspension without any delay. Otherwise, the members of the Senate who are lawyers will be dragged to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee by the Women Empowerment and Legal Aid.”