Deji Adeyanju, a prominent human rights lawyer and activist, has challenged Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, to provide tangible evidence backing her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Adeyanju emphasized that without solid proof, her claims risk being dismissed as baseless accusations.
The controversy stems from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent assertion that Akpabio made inappropriate advances toward her during a visit to his home in December 2023. In response, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions investigated her conduct and recommended a six-month suspension, a decision later ratified by the Senate. The suspension comes with severe penalties: her office will be sealed, her salaries and allowances withheld, her security detail removed, and she is barred from representing the Senate officially or entering the National Assembly premises during this period.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, Adeyanju argued that the ongoing feud between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio has been excessively debated and should be resolved in court. He urged Nigerians to shift their attention to more critical issues, such as the proposed Tax Reform Bill, which he believes could harm low- and middle-income earners. “The matter has been overflogged. I believe that parties should go to court and resolve their matters,” Adeyanju said. “We should focus on Nigeria’s Tax Reform Bill and see how we can galvanize and stop it from being passed. That is more important than this internal issue.”
Adeyanju also criticized the inconsistency of some senators, pointing out their silence on controversial policies and perks. “When all these anti-people policies of the Tinubu government were taking place, why didn’t these senators—who are now fighting over the allegation of sexual harassment or ‘she’s embarrassing the Senate’—oppose them?” he asked. “All the times they’ve shared cars, money, and budgetary allocations in the National Assembly, we did not hear any fight. Now, we are hearing a fight.”
Turning to the allegations, Adeyanju pressed Akpoti-Uduaghan to make her evidence public, especially since the Senate has not granted her a fair hearing. “Senator Natasha has made these allegations that the Senate President tried to sexually harass her. I think she should, as a matter of necessity, present credible evidence to back up the claim,” he said. He suggested that if there are incriminating messages—such as invitations from Akpabio—she should release them. “It’s very easy. The man has said it’s a lie, ‘I did not do anything to her.’ So if there are messages—maybe ‘oh, please come over’—please reveal them, expose the man. After all, he who alleges must prove. Why are you protecting him?” Adeyanju questioned.
As the dispute lingers, Adeyanju’s call for evidence and a legal resolution underscores the need for clarity in a saga that has gripped public attention.
