Tag: Godswill Akpabio

Natasha’s petition against Akpabio dead on arrival – Senate Committee

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions has said the petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio is dead on arrival.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Natasha filed a petition against Senator Akpabio over alleged sexual harassment that was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions on Wednesday.

“The petition she presented today is actually dead on arrival. I say that because it runs contrary to Order 40, Subsection 4, that no Senator may present to the Senate a petition signed by him or herself.

“And that petition having been signed by her will not be entertained by this committee. She is not here. I can understand why she is not here. She is probably not here on the orders of her lawyers.

“That being the case, the committee will sit and we will deliberate on what we have gotten from distinguished Senator that presented their cases before us and the sergeant-at-arms and based on rule books, and all other documents that are availablt to us, to make a decision here and then make a referral to the full Senate,” Committee Chairman, Senator Neda Imaseun said.

Recall that Akpoti-Uduaghan had, during Wednesday’s plenary, stood up and stated that she had a petition, read it out aloud, and submitted it.

“I have a petition against the President of the Nigerian Senate. His Excellency Sen. Godswill Akpabio for sexual harassment, abuse of office and malicious obstruction of my legislative functions.

“You may recall, sir, that on Friday, on Arise TV, I did make some statements. And I have decided to narrow the statements in a formal petition against the President of this Senate.

“So if it may please you, so if it pleases you, I will humbly step forward and lay this petition,” Senator Natasha said.

However, a heated session ensued when Senate Chief Whip, Sen. Mohammed Monguno, citing Order 40(4), argued that Senate rules must be strictly adhered to.

Order 40 (4) reads: “No senator may present to the Senate a petition signed by himself”.

He warned that any deviation to these rules could lead to “chaos and anarchy” as such the Senate would protect the sacred provisions of the rules.

Monguno further noted that the matter was sub judiced. “The petitioner, Sen. Natasha, has gone to court in respect of this matter.

“The wife of the Senate President has equally gone to court in respect of this matter. So, this matter is sub judiced. And therefore, the Senate does not have to do anything to entertain this matter,” he said.

He advised that the matter should be referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, rejected Monguno’s argument.

She said that the ongoing court case was a N100 billion defamation lawsuit she filed against Patrick Mfon, a special assistant to the Senate President on social media and not against Akpabio.

Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted that her sexual harassment claims were not the subject of any legal action, contradicting the basis for rejecting her petition.

“This matter is not in court. The matter before the court is on defamation and cyber bullying statements by the senate president’s special assistant on social media, Patrick Mfon, who accused me of dressing indecently to the senate.

“Mr President, your denial and refusal to accept and treat my petition before the committee on Ethics, this matter is not sub judiced; it’s not before the court,” she said.

On his part, the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele also corroborated Sen. Monguno’s position.

He said: “Order 40(4) says no senator bringing a petition shall be the author.

“Mr president, I sympathise with you as a man being accused of sexual harassment.

“I won’t comment on that because there will be an ample opportunity for the relevant committee to deal with that.

“It is important that the public should know and our observers should note that as political as this can be, we cannot be emotional about it.

“We are guided by rules and the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended,” Bamidele said.

In his remarks, the President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio said “the Senate actually referred her matter not because I’m not aware of the provisions of the rules.

“It is because when people are watching from outside, they may not know we are guided by rules”.

March 5, 2025
JUST IN: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shuns ethics committee hearing over conduct

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, failed to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions on Wednesday.

The committee is investigating her conduct during last week’s plenary session, which saw a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seat allocation.

TheNewsGuru had reported that Akpoti-Uduaghan, accused Akpabio of publicly humiliating her and obstructing her motions and bills on the Senate floor. Her refusal to accept the new seating arrangement led to Akpabio denying her the opportunity to speak during the session.

The Chairman of the committee, Senator Neda Imasuen, expressed disappointment over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s absence, stating that she was duly invited to the meeting. As of the time of reporting, Akpoti-Uduaghan had yet to arrive for the hearing.

Interestingly, a Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order stopping the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from taking disciplinary action against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

March 5, 2025
Kate Henshaw backs Natasha amidst sexual harassment drama with Akpabio

Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The drama unfolded after Akpoti granted an interview, sparking a heated debate on social media.

Kate Henshaw took to Instagram to show her support for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, posting a heartfelt piece about the strength and resilience of women.

She highlighted how societal norms, religion, and tradition often relegate women to the background, perpetuating the notion that they are weak.

However, Henshaw emphasized that women are, in fact, the offspring of countless women warriors, underscoring their capacity for strength and courage. Her post served as a powerful reminder of the importance of female empowerment and solidarity.

In her words: “We are told we are weak, we are spineless, and cannot think. We accept the new role foisted on us, the subtle submission imposed by religion, by society, by tradition.”

“They tell us we cannot govern, we cannot rule, we cannot make our own decisions. They tell us to shut up and sit down. Women like children are to be seen not heard. Do you not know that in nearly all species, the female is much more deadly than the male? We are the offspring of countless women-warriors!!💪 #endofdiscussion”

March 5, 2025
I have never harassed any woman in my life – Senator Akpabio

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.

March 5, 2025
BREAKING: Senator Natasha officially files petition against Akpabio to Senate [VIDEO]

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has officially filed a petition to the Nigerian Senate against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over sexual harassment and abuse of office.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Natasha filed the petition during a plenary session of the Senate on Wednesday after citing Order 40 of the Senate’s rules.

“The petition is in my name against the president of the Nigerian Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio for sexual harassment, abuse of office, and malicious obstruction of my legislative functions

“You may recall, sir that on Friday in Arise TV, I did made some statements. And I have decided to narrow these statements in a formal petition against the President of the Senate.

“So, if it may please you, I will humbly step forward and lay this petition,” Senator Natasha said before proceeding to lay the petition.

“You may proceed,” Senator Akpabio, who presided over the plenary, said before Senator Natasha laid the petition.

@chiefoyiboSenator Natasha officially files petition against Senator Akpabio to the Senate

♬ original sound – Oyibo

TNG reports the Senate President subsequently referred the petition to the Senate committee on code of conduct, ethics and public petitions to revert as soon as practicable.

Meanwhile, Senator Akpabio has denied ever sexually harassing any woman in his life and that he will never do so.

March 5, 2025
Se3ual harassment: Natasha’s husband, Uduaghan says he’s aware Akpabio made advances to his wife

Double Chief Emma Uduaghan, husband of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has publicly confirmed being aware of repeated sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio towards his wife.

In a statement, Uduaghan revealed that he had confronted Akpabio directly, urging him to respect his wife and cease his inappropriate behavior.

However, according to Uduaghan, Akpabio’s refusal to heed his request has caused significant distress to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, ultimately leading to her public outcry.

The statement by Uduaghan reads: “I had initially resolved to refrain from commenting on the ongoing dispute between my beloved wife, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

“However, recent developments have compelled me to issue this statement. It is clear that certain sentiments are being stirred up unnecessarily, distracting from the serious underlying allegations, which should concern every discerning individual with sound family values.

Without prejudice to the ongoing legal proceedings, I wish to emphasize that my wife was duly elected by her people due to the immense love, respect, and confidence they have in her and she is committed to delivery quality representation to her district and the Nation at large.

“She is a devoted wife, and the bond we share is deep and unwavering. She has always remained truthful, even in the face of adversity.

My wife has confided in me about her interactions with the Senate President, whom I considered a family friend. In response, I approached the matter with the utmost maturity and responsibility, as it is my duty as a traditional leader who has immense respect for constituted authority and upholds core family values, foster peace and harmony.

“I personally met with the Senate President and respectfully urged him to extend the courtesy and respect my wife deserves, while also honoring the friendship between us. We reached an understanding and agreed to resolve the issue amicably..

“However, despite this agreement, my wife continues to express concerns about the harassment she has endured from the Senate President.

“I have unwavering faith in my wife’s loyalty and am fully committed to our marriage, which is grounded in love, compassion, and mutual respect. I would never trade her for anything, as she is the greatest joy of my life.

“I now respectfully urge the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate President to treat my beloved wife with the respect and dignity she truly deserves while the relevant authorities and the court determine the underlying issues”.

March 2, 2025
Akpabio-Natasha: Let’s protect the institution, not Individuals – Saraki

Former Nigerian Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has stated that rules of the Senate as well as parliamentary conventions and practices must be adhered to in resolving the crisis between Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Akpabio of sexual harassment. This comes after discovering that her seat had been changed in the Senate without her consent.

Speaking on that incident in a statement made available to TheNewsGuru on Saturday, Saraki called for transparency in the resolution process.

He said, “I have watched from afar the recent development in the Senate between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Senator from Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. It is a development that has made me sad because of its overall negative effect on the integrity, sanctity, image, and public perception of the institution. I believe that every person who has had anything to do with the National Assembly, particularly as a leader, member, and worker should always jealously protect these values which make the institution, the numero uno, among the three arms of government.

“It is for these reasons that I believe that the two parties in this dispute and their supporters in and out of the chamber should be mindful of the impact of their actions, inactions, reactions, claims, and counter-claims to be sure that nothing is done to rubbish the institution. The constitution, laws of the country, rules of the Senate as well as parliamentary conventions and practices should be adhered to in resolving the issue. And the resolution should be done transparently without being seen to be protective of any of the parties. Rather, the objectives should be to unfold the truth and to protect the law-making institution against a wrong perception of involvement in or tolerance of lawbreaking.

“At this point, with the public claims made by the Senator, the right measure to take is to institute an open, transparent, and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. Both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it. This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid it in the conduct of a transparent and open investigation. I remember during the 8th Senate when a Senator claimed that I imported an official car for my use as Senate President and that customs duty was not paid on the vehicle. Since I knew the claim was false, the matter was referred to the Ethics Committee and I appeared before the committee to testify, in the full glare of the media. From my testimony, it was clear the Senator who made the allegation got his facts wrong and was only being mischievous.

“Also, on the day the committee submitted its report for debate on the floor, I stepped down and allowed my deputy to preside. The transparent manner in which the investigation and the debate on the report were handled assured everybody that there was no case. This is a precedent that the leadership of the 10th Senate should follow.

“In my case, the decision to allow an open investigation and subjecting myself to it was not an easy one. It was humbling but I realized that was the best decision and in the end I am happy I travelled that route.

‘We should not allow the Senate to be cast in the shroud of an institution encouraging sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, flagrant disregard for standing orders and rules, and lack of orderliness. This is what a transparent, open, and unbiased investigation should achieve. The due process should be followed in this case such that where anybody is found to have committed any wrong, the wrong should be pointed out and corrected. Also, the right remedy should be made.

‘Let me make it clear without any ambiguity that I am neither stating that Akpabio is guilty of anything nor am I expressing the opinion that Senator Akpoti Uduaghan is right in her actions and claims. My position is that an investigation is needed to find out the truth and protect the integrity of the Senate.

‘For me, the institution of the Senate is so important, sacred, and pre-eminent. All lovers of democracy should always work to strengthen it. No leader or member should be allowed to openly or surreptitiously work to subvert its sanctity.”

March 1, 2025
Sexual harassment: Akpabio’s wife drags senator Natasha to court, seeks ₦250 billion in damages

The wife of the Senate President’s, Unoma Akpabio, has filed a lawsuit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, requesting N250 billion in general damages and an unconditional apology over sexual harassment allegations leveled against her husband, Senate Godswill Akpabio.

TheNewsGuru earlier reports that Natasha during an interview on Arise TV on Friday, February 28, 2025 disclosed that Akpabio, made several inappropriate advances towards her during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom.

Recounting the incident on Friday, the Kogi Central senator claimed that the encounter occurred in December, just a day before their respective birthdays.

She further alleged that her trouble in the Senate began after she rejected sexual advances from Akpabio.

Unoma Akpabio Dismisses Claims, Threatens Legal Action

Reacting to the allegations, Unoma Akpabio during a a press conference on Friday dismissed Natasha’s claims, stating they were false and intended for personal gain.

She vowed to pursue legal action against the Kogi Central Senator for defamation and violation of fundamental rights.

The fundamental rights suit, Suit No: CV/814/25, was filed under Section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Article 4 & 5 of The African Charter on Human And Peoples Rights (Ratification And Enforcement Act) Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Mrs Akpabio sought the following, “A DECLARATION that the allegations made by the Respondent on the floor of the Senate on the 20th of February 2025 and subsequent scandalous and salacious allegations on Arise News TV by the Respondent, constitute a flagrant violation of the fundamental rights of the Applicant guaranteed under Section 34(1) (A) of The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), Article 4 & 5 of The African Charter on Human And Peoples Rights (Ratification And Enforcement Act) Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and Section 14 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015.

“AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the Respondent from making further inciteful, scandalous, and spiteful statements that have caused the Applicant and her children emotional and psychological abuse and living under constant threat and fear of their lives.

“AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the Respondent, whether by themselves, their agents, privies, or whosoever from further inciteful, scandalous, and spiteful statements that have caused the Applicant and her children emotional and psychological abuse and living under constant threat and fear of their lives or in any other manner infringing on their fundamental rights.

“AN ORDER awarding the sum of N250,000,000,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Billion Naira only) as exemplary, punitive, aggravated and general damages against the Respondent for her infringement of the fundamental rights of the Applicant alongside such further or other Orders as this Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstance.”

Additionally, in a separate defamation lawsuit (Suit No: CV/816/25), Mrs. Akpabio seeks: “A DECLARATION that the Defendant’s act of claiming on national television, that the Claimant’s husband, who is the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria made sexual advances at her, without any proof of same, has damaged the reputation of the Claimant and indeed her entire family, bringing them into disrepute and opprobrium.

“AN ORDER OF THIS HONOURABLE COURT mandating the Defendant to issue a formal written retraction of the defamatory words and tender an unconditional apology to the Claimant and her family, to be published in 2 (two) nationally-read newspapers to wit: The Guardian and This Day Newspapers.

“AN ORDER OF THIS HONOURABLE COURT compelling the Defendant to pay to the Claimant the sum of N1,000,000,000.00 (One Billion Naira only) as punitive and exemplary damages for the ruinous effect of the Defendant’s defamatory words on the Claimant’s family’s reputation.

“AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the Defendant from further uttering any defamatory words or causing to be uttered or spread, any defamatory words against the reputation of the Claimant’s family.”

March 1, 2025
Natasha vs Akpabio: Ex-VP Atiku calls for thorough investigation

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for investigation into allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation and mistreatment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi).

In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, Abubakar described the allegations as “grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation.’’

Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the PDP in the 2023 general election, urged President Bola Tinubu and the Senate to ensure a credible, transparent, and independent investigation.

“The Nigerian Senate represents the voice of the people.

“Those who serve in it — especially its leadership — must uphold the highest standards of integrity, dignity, and respect, both for their office and for the Nigerian citizens they serve.

“As the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character.

“Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress.

“Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility,’’ Abubakar said.

He said that as the chief presiding officer of the upper chamber, the senate president had a duty to champion the protection and empowerment of Nigerian women through legislation.

He added that the senate president should, therefore, not to be the subject of allegations that undermine those very principles.

Abubakar said that the handling of the matter would send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the inclusion of women in governance.

“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation.

“This moment demands careful and principled action to uphold the integrity of our institutions and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of gender, is treated with dignity and respect,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, the media consultant to the Senate President, Kenny Okulogbo, on Friday, described the allegations as “tissues of lies”.

Okulogbo said that the Kogi lawmaker was angry because of her removal as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content.

“All that Senator Natasha said are all tissues of lies. She is just angry because she was removed as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content.

“The Senate President will respond. We will make an official statement soon,’’ Okulogbo said.

February 28, 2025
Senate president, Akpabio reacts to Natasha’s sexual harassment allegations

The media consultant to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Kenny Okulogbo, has described the allegations of sexual harassment leveled against his principal by Senator Natasha Akpoti, as ‘’tissues of lies’’.

TheNewsGuru earlier reports that Natasha during an interview on Arise TV on Friday, February 28, 2025 disclosed that Akpabio, made several inappropriate advances towards her during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom.

Recounting the incident on Friday, the Kogi Central senator claimed that the encounter occurred in December, just a day before their respective birthdays.

She further alleged that her trouble in the Senate began after she rejected sexual advances from Akpabio.

However, in a chat with Punch, Okulogbo stated that the Kogi lawmaker is angry and made the allegations because she was removed as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content.

“All that Senator Natasha said are all tissues of lies. She is just angry because she was removed as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content. The Senate President will respond. We will make an official statement soon,” he said.

February 28, 2025