Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has dismissed allegations of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling them false and baseless.
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Speaking to journalists on Friday, Mrs. Akpabio defended her husband’s integrity, describing him as a disciplined and jovial man who respects women. She emphasized that their families had a long-standing cordial relationship even before Akpoti-Uduaghan’s marriage, making the allegations even more shocking.
She further stated that she was present at their family residence on December 8, 2023-the day the alleged incident took place-insisting that her husband did nothing inappropriate. According to her, Akpabio has always been an advocate for women’s inclusion in governance, citing his track record of empowering women in leadership roles.
Mrs. Akpabio also cautioned against false accusations, warning that such claims not only damage reputations but also undermine genuine cases of harassment. She announced plans to take legal action against Akpoti-Uduaghan over the allegations.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier accused Akpabio of sidelining her in the Senate after she rejected his alleged sexual advances. She claimed that during a visit to his residence in December 2023, Akpabio made suggestive remarks and implied she could “enjoy” his company as a senator. She further alleged that after turning him down, she faced deliberate obstruction in the Senate, including the delay of her motion on Ajaokuta Steel Company. Akpabio has since denied the allegations.