Natasha Urges Senate President’s Wife to Let Him Defend Himself

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has called on Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to refrain from interfering in the allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation leveled against her husband.

The rift between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio began when she refused to sit in a designated seat during a Senate session, citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules. The situation escalated further when she appeared on Arise News, accusing the Senate President of blocking her motions, maligning her, and intimidating her after she allegedly rejected his sexual advances.

In response, Mrs. Akpabio held a press conference in Abuja, dismissing the claims and asserting that both families had shared a cordial relationship long before Akpoti-Uduaghan’s marriage. She described the allegations as unfounded.

However, in a letter dated March 1, 2025, sent through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, Akpoti-Uduaghan urged Mrs. Akpabio to stay out of the matter.

Titled “Stay Away from Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sexual Harassment and Intimidation Allegation Against Sen. President Godswill Akpabio; To Safeguard Your Sanity and That of Your Family,” the letter emphasized that the allegations were directed solely at the Senate President, who should respond to them personally.

Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that while she had endured harassment from Akpabio for some time, she was now compelled to speak out.

The letter read in part: “Our client does not wish to involve you in this unfortunate situation and urges you to refrain from interfering. While she has tolerated harassment from the Senate President, she has now been forced to expose the ordeal and victimization she has suffered in the Senate chambers at his hands.”

It further stressed that the allegations were personal to Akpabio, and he should be left to address them.

“Our client believes the Senate President has the ability to defend himself against these allegations.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan also stated that she has substantial evidence to support her claims and advised Mrs. Akpabio to allow her husband to handle his own defense for the sake of her well-being and that of her family.

“Our client possesses concrete evidence to back her claims. We advise that you allow the Senate President to respond personally to maintain your peace of mind and that of your family.”

She reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for Nigerian women and upholding family values.