The Tinubu/Shettima Support Movement and Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora on Thursday defended Senate President Godswill Akpabio following allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The Kogi senator had alleged in an interview on Arise Television that Akpabio made sexual advances towards her during a visit to his residence in his home state of Akwa Ibom on December 8, 2023.
She alleged that Akpabio held her hand, led her around his house, and made sexual advances towards her while her husband was trailing behind them.
She further claimed that Akpabio had, on a separate occasion, asked her to ‘make him happy’ if she wanted her motions to receive seamless consideration on the floor of the Senate.
The allegations came days after the Senate unanimously voted to refer her to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for protesting the new sitting arrangements in the upper chamber.
“We stand before you today to address the recent false sexual harassment allegation against the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio,” said Tijani Ali Danjuma, National Coordinator of TSSM, during a press briefing in Abuja.
“This baseless accusation, orchestrated by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is not an isolated incident but part of a broader scheme by anti-APC forces who see Akpabio’s cordial relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a threat to their selfish ambitions,” Danjuma added.
The coalition vehemently denied the allegations, labelling them as “false” and “politically motivated.” They claimed that Akpoti-Uduaghan has a history of making unsubstantiated claims of sexual harassment against prominent figures.
“We firmly believe that this accusation is a calculated political attack aimed at removing Senator Akpabio as Senate President because of his strong support for President Tinubu’s policies,” said Dr. Obiora Okereke, President of NPID.
The coalition pointed out that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations lack credibility due to several inconsistencies, including the suspicious timing of the claim, the lack of legal action, and the absence of witnesses or evidence.
“We demand a full-scale investigation into the false allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,” said Segun Okeowo, Director of COCSON. “She must provide concrete evidence or face legal consequences for defamation.”
The coalition declared its full support for Senate President Godswill Akpabio, stating that he is a man of integrity who has never been involved in any form of sexual misconduct.
“We say NO to false allegations! We say NO to politically motivated smear campaigns! We say NO to attempts to remove Senator Akpabio through deceit and propaganda!” Danjuma concluded.
