Senate President Godswill Akpabio has outlined why he refuses to step down following the sexual harassment allegations made against him by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan.
In March, Akpoti Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her in 2023 and called for his resignation to allow a fair investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions.
Responding to the suggestion that he should resign, Akpabio addressed comments made by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who referenced the calls for his resignation despite the progress of the 10th Senate.
Bamidele had earlier remarked that the planned security summit, which the Senate is organizing in response to the country’s security challenges, was not essential, citing remarks from the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who argued that such events cannot replace comprehensive military strategies.
Akpabio, however, rejected the idea of stepping down, stressing that doing so would unfairly damage his reputation if the allegations were proven false. He explained, “If you had that in mind, please cancel it. So, having said that, I must thank you for the words you have spoken today.”
Addressing the allegations directly, Akpabio stated: “I would not have answered you, but for the fact that you said those who would have asked you to step down. Who told you I was going to step down?” He further elaborated, citing past examples of innocent individuals who suffered long-term consequences due to false allegations.
He continued: “You know, if you watch the colour of America, there are black people because of their skins who went to prison, some for 25 years for false allegations.”
He also pointed out the injustice of stepping down prematurely before the truth is revealed. “I’m not one of those people who will step down over false allegation then when eventually it is proven that the allegation is false, they will say, oh, well…”
Akpabio also weighed in on the ongoing tension surrounding the Senate’s national security summit, commenting on the remarks made by Minister of Defence Abubakar. While the Minister had downplayed the importance of the summit, Akpabio stressed that it was crucial for the Senate to take the necessary steps to address security concerns.
He firmly stated, “If defence has any issue with any resolution of the Senate, it shouldn’t do so in the market. It should get in touch with Senate President or the Senate Elders.”
Akpabio made it clear that the Senate would address the issue at the appropriate time, rather than letting it escalate into a public confrontation. “It should get in touch with us, not to go and speak in the open. And it will amount to Executive Legislative Brouhaha,” he added.
Additionally, Bamidele, in his comments after the passage of two key Tax Reform Bills, expressed that the Senate would continue its work despite criticisms. He acknowledged that while the Senate was open to criticism, false claims and deliberate attempts to discredit the institution were unwarranted.
Bamidele emphasized the importance of the reforms, which were presented in November 2024 and are crucial for national progress. He also stressed that the Senate’s focus remains on addressing issues of national security and governance.
“We are concerned about the national security of our country,” Bamidele said, referring to the discussions on the summit and underscoring the importance of collaboration between the Senate and other arms of government.
In conclusion, Akpabio reiterated that the Senate’s priority remains the well-being of the Nigerian people. He emphasized, “The Senate is an institution and is bigger than any individual,” and confirmed that they would continue to pursue reforms that benefit the country, regardless of the distractions or allegations facing individual members.