“Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Slams Senate as Akpabio Denies Sexual Harassment Allegations—Suspension Looms”
Written by SpringNewsNG
March 9, 2025
FCT, Abuja – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has accused her colleague from Ekiti State, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, of making false allegations against her. The controversy erupted on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, when Fasuyi claimed that Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously made defamatory statements against former Ekiti Governor, Kayode Fayemi, during his tenure as Minister of Mines and Steel Development.
Fasuyi alleged that the senator’s defamation centered on matters related to the Ajaokuta Steel Company. However, in a statement released by Ahmad Sajoh, the head of Fayemi’s media office, the former governor dismissed claims of personal grievances with Akpoti-Uduaghan. Fayemi clarified that their engagements were strictly professional and that any differences between them were based on policy perspectives, not personal conflicts.
In response to Fayemi’s clarification, Akpoti-Uduaghan took to her verified Facebook page, stating:
“Thank you, H.E. @kfayemi, for speaking the truth. My advocacy during his tenure as minister was solely aimed at reviving the Ajaokuta Steel Company. Shame unto Senator Cyril Fasuyi for lying against me right in the hallowed chambers while quoting the Bible. Indeed, God is patient.”
Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has denied allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Addressing his colleagues on March 5, Akpabio insisted that he had been raised well by his late mother and had never harassed any woman.
The allegations surfaced during a recent interview with Arise Television, where Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that Akpabio made inappropriate advances towards her during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom on December 8, 2023. She alleged that Akpabio took her by the hand, led her around his house, and made sexual advances while her husband was engaged in a phone conversation nearby. Additionally, she claimed that Akpabio had implied on another occasion that she should “take care of him” if she wanted her legislative motions to be favorably considered in the Senate.
Senate Committee Recommends Suspension
In a significant development, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions has recommended a six-month suspension for Akpoti-Uduaghan following her explosive allegations against Akpabio. The Senate leadership has declared her sexual harassment petition “dead on arrival,” signaling a tense political showdown within the legislative body.
As the situation unfolds, the Senate’s decision on the recommendation is expected to spark further reactions from both supporters and critics of Akpoti-Uduaghan.
