Senator Insists on Justice Over Settlement in Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Akpabio
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, has rejected suggestions of an out-of-court settlement, insisting on a full and transparent investigation into her claims.
In an interview with The Nation, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her dissatisfaction with the idea of settling the matter privately. “Out-of-court settlement? To settle how? Who? What about how I felt? I don’t know how to explain it. I’m not looking for an out-of-court settlement—at least not today. Nobody should have to face this kind of intimidation just for speaking their truth,” she said.
Emphasizing the need for accountability, she added, “This is not about settlement; it’s about justice.” The senator also criticized Akpabio’s response to the allegations, suggesting his conduct sends a troubling signal about the Tinubu administration’s stance on accountability. “He should subject himself to an investigation,” she asserted.
Her firm stance comes in the wake of remarks from prominent lawyer Olisa Agbakoba, who called on the senator to provide more substantial evidence to back her allegations. Agbakoba argued that the current claims do not meet the legal threshold for a credible case, highlighting inconsistencies in the timeline presented by the senator.
“Allegations must be scrutinized carefully to avoid weaponizing them for personal vendetta,” Agbakoba said. He referenced a social media post in which Akpoti-Uduaghan praised Akpabio on December 9, 2023—just a day after she claims the harassment occurred on December 8. He cited this as a contradiction that raises questions about the credibility of the allegations.
Agbakoba did not dismiss the possibility of harassment but stressed the need for due process. “There is no strict definition of harassment—it could be verbal or behavioral—but I doubt there was any overt physical act between Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Akpabio,” he said.
As the case garners national attention, both sides appear to be preparing for a protracted legal and political battle, with calls growing louder for a transparent and impartial inquiry.
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