Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has urged Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, the wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to avoid getting involved in the allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation levied against her husband.
The conflict between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio began when she refused to occupy a designated seat during a Senate session, citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules.
The situation escalated when Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio on Arise News of blocking her motions, defaming her, and intimidating her after she allegedly rejected his sexual advances.
In response, Mrs. Akpabio held a press conference in Abuja, dismissing the accusations, highlighting that both families had shared a cordial relationship long before Akpoti-Uduaghan’s marriage, and suggesting that the allegations were unfounded.
However, in a letter dated March 1, 2025, and addressed to Mrs. Akpabio through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, Akpoti-Uduaghan urged Mrs. Akpabio to refrain from becoming involved in the matter.
The letter, titled “Stay Away from Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sexual Harassment and Intimidation Allegation Against Sen. President Godswill Akpabio; To Safeguard Your Sanity and That of Your Family,” emphasized that the allegations were personal to the Senate President and that he should defend himself.
Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that while she had endured harassment from Akpabio, she was now compelled to speak out.
The letter read, “Our client does not wish to involve you in this unfortunate saga and urges you to refrain from participating in the matter. Though she has tolerated harassment from the Senate President, she was forced to reveal the mistreatment she has endured in the Senate.”
The letter continued, asserting that the accusations were personal and that Akpabio had the capacity to defend himself. It further added that Akpoti-Uduaghan had sufficient evidence to support her claims and advised Mrs. Akpabio to allow her husband to address the allegations to preserve the sanity and well-being of her family.
“Our client remains firm in defending Nigerian women and will continue to uphold family values,” the letter concluded.
