Victor EzejaKogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has rejected overtures for out-of-court settlement of the dispute between her and Senate President Godswill Akpabio over alleged sexual harassment.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said all she wants is justice, adding that she has suffered a significant amount of intimidation for daring to speak out.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Kogi lawmaker stated this while responding to a proposal by Dr Olisa Agbakoba SAN, counsel to Akpabio, for settling the sexual harassment allegation she made against the Senate President.
Agbakoba, who proposed a press conference at his chambers in Apapa, Lagos on Tuesday, said there were inconsistencies in Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegation, citing how she alleged that Akpabio sexually harassed her on 8 December 2023 in Uyo but posted “favourable messages” about Akpabio on her social media handles the following day, which sounds contradictory to her claim.
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In her petition, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that Akpabio made sexual advances on her on about three occasions. She has repeatedly stated that she has evidence to back up her claims.
During the press briefing, Agbakoba, who disclosed that he has been hired by Akpabio as his lawyer, said the matter could be settled out of court.
The legal expert emphasised that proving an allegation of sexual harassment requires the accuser to present substantial evidence.
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Agbakoba said that as counsel for Akpabio, he has written to Natasha to provide more proof as she has promised in media interviews.
Reacting to that, Akpoti-Uduaghan, during an interview with The Nation, said she is not considering an out-of-court settlement, adding that the Senate should have investigated her allegations before suspending her.
She said Akpabio should present himself for investigation.
“I am not considering an out-of-court settlement because nobody has to suffer this amount of intimidation just because she is speaking out her truth,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated.
“They should have investigated it. It is not about settlement, it is about justice. It is very painful that you subject somebody to so much.
“I am not looking forward to an out-of-court settlement. He should subject himself to an investigation.
“Besides, Akpabio is denting the image of the President. Akpabio’s actions are sending a negative signal to President Tinubu’s government.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
