Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said he has high regards for women, adding that he has never sexually harassed any woman in his life and that he will never do so.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Akpabio said this in his opening remarks during plenary on Wednesday while addressing an allegation made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against him.
Trouble started between Senator Natasha and the Senate President on February 20 when the Kogi Central Senator alleged that her seat was re-allocated in the upper chamber without her knowledge.
Natasha subsequently went on Arise TV to accuse Akpabio of making sexual advances at her, a reason to which she attributed her issues recently at the chamber with the Senate President.
“On the 28th day of February, there were some serious allegations making the rounds in the social media and the TV of a purported harassment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“While I am aware that the matters are in court; however, I will like to state clearly that at no time did I ever attempt any sexual harassment on the said distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman for that matter.
“I and my siblings were raised very well by my late single mother – she died in year 2000 – through very difficult times. I, therefore, have the highest regards for women. Even her demise I still cry till today.
“I also wish to state that I also have four (4) beautiful daughters. So, at no time will I ever harass any woman, and I have never done so.
“In addition, even as a State Governor, I was awarded various awards. One of them was the one you will wish to know, the most gender friendly governor in Nigeria. I served between 2007 and 2015. To God be the glory.
“In conclusion, I urge all Nigerians, particularly the media and members of the social media, to await the court’s decisions.
“And please do not jump to conclusions on matters of mere allegations,” Senator Akpabio said.
Meanwhile, Senator Natasha has officially filed a petition against Senator Akpabio to the Senate.