Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who serves Kogi Central in the National Assembly, has alleged that her challenges in the Senate began after she turned down sexual propositions from Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a discussion with Arise TV on Friday, Akpoti-Uduaghan likened her situation to that of a learner being unjustly reprimanded by an instructor for resisting unwelcome solicitations.
“My circumstance mirrors that of a student facing consequences from a teacher for declining to engage in an inappropriate relationship with him,” she stated.
The senator further spoke on the debate regarding her position in the assembly. She recognized that Order 10 of the Senate Regulations specifies that senators should address the chamber from their designated locations. Nonetheless, she contended that in matters of privilege, legislators can speak from any point within the chamber.
Regarding the absence of public endorsements from other female senators, Akpoti-Uduaghan implied they had their own motivations for remaining quiet. Nonetheless, she disclosed that Senator Ireti Kingibe, who serves the Federal Capital Territory, had reached out to her privately—not to convey support, but to reproach her for initiating a defamation lawsuit against Akpabio.
The senator from Kogi also addressed Akpabio’s prior nightclub remarks, where he humorously referred to the Senate as a nightclub. She dismissed the notion that it was an accidental comment, claiming instead that the Senate President had previously proposed organizing a private gathering in a nightclub environment for them to “enjoy themselves.”
Moreover, Akpoti-Uduaghan refuted allegations of corruption brought forth in a petition by a youth group from the north, which was presented to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, Public Petitions, and Code of Conduct. She asserted that the petition was orchestrated by individuals seeking to manipulate committee funds for their own gain.
NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN ‘s STORY.
It all began on December 18, 2023, just one day prior to both our birthdays—what a coincidence that we share the same special date. We found ourselves in Akwa Ibom for a grand celebration at the stadium.
Accompanied by my husband and a handful of his closest friends, we headed to Akwa Ibom first to visit Ikot Ekpene, where his residence is located, and later transitioned to his home in Uyo. By around 8 PM, he took my hand and expressed his desire to give me a tour of his house.
My husband trailed behind us. The two of us strolled through various rooms, with him showcasing the stunning decor and design.
He observed the need for some distance while maintaining his grip on my hand. My husband remained behind, preoccupied with his phone yet catching glimpses of our surroundings whenever he could. Arriving at a particular sitting room, he asked, ‘Do you appreciate my home?’
I replied enthusiastically, ‘Absolutely, sir! Every room is exquisite, showcasing enchanting decor and exceptional taste.’ He remarked, ‘Now that you’re a senator, I’ll make time for us to enjoy some memorable moments here. You’re going to love it.’
At that moment, I simply withdrew, thinking, ‘I don’t quite grasp what that really indicated.’ But when I turned back around, my husband was already beside me, and the way he gazed at me and then at him made me start to question whether he had overheard some of those provocative remarks or not.
“Then I noticed that the Senate President also seemed to share that thought, wondering if my husband had picked up on the invitation or not.
“Consequently, the Senate President said, oh, by the way, let me show you my chapel. He has a chapel in his home as well.
“So we headed to the chapel. I know we walked in silence and all. Later that evening, just before we departed from the Senate President’s residence around 11 PM to the Four Point Hotel, my husband inquired, Natasha, what did the Senate President convey to you? What was his message?
“I pondered whether I should reveal that he was suggesting a special time for us to enjoy ourselves or if I should just leave it at that.
“I merely provided a few words to disguise the actual conversation. After we settled into bed, my husband encircled me with his arms and said, my love, you know you can share anything with me.
“What did the Senate President mention? Again, I thought, don’t you trust me?
“I replied, nothing, nothing. Besides, my birthday is just moments away, let’s focus on celebrating.”
The senator asserted that she had been cautioned by the Senate leadership to cease her public challenges against Akpabio, as any scandal that could topple him might also jeopardize her political career.