*Says ‘let’s protect the institution, not individuals’
Akpabio’s wife sues Natasha, demands N250bn damages for defamation, violation of fundamental human rights
Natasha’s husband reacts, wants Akpabio to treat his wife with respect, dignity she deserves
Atiku asks Tinubu, Senate to probe allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation
By El-Ameen Ibrahim, Mabeline Amara, Samantha Yusuf, Gift Ishaq and Sophia Oyiwe
The face -off between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), following the latter’s alleged sexual advances against her by Akpabio has taken a new dimension as the former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has weighed in on the matter, saying there is the need for an open and transparent probe to unravel the truth.
Saraki, who stated this in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Saturday, stated that it is imperative for the Senate to probe the alleged infamous action in view of its overall negative effect on the integrity, sanctity, image, and public perception of the upper chamber of the National Assembly.
According to Saraki, the main objective of the probe is to unfold the truth and protect the Senate against a wrong perception of involvement in or tolerance of lawbreaking, saying that the time has come for stakeholders to protect the institution and not individuals.
The development comes just as wife of the Senate President, Unoma Akpabio, has filed N250billion defamation and violation of fundamental human rights suit against Natasha while the husband of Natasha, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, has called on Akpabio to treat his wife with the respect and dignity she deserves.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also added his voice to the matter, asking President Bola Tinubu and the Senate to investigate the allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment leveled against Akpabio by Natasha.
Speaking as a former Senate President, Saraki said the recent development between Akpabio and Natasha has made him sad, saying that every person who has had anything to do with the National Assembly, particularly as a leader, member, and worker should always jealously protect the values which make the institution, the numero uno, among the three arms of government.
He added that the two parties in the dispute and their supporters in and out of the chamber should be mindful of the impact of their actions, inactions, reactions, claims, and counter-claims to be sure that nothing is done to rubbish the institution.
The former Senate President also disclosed that the 1999 Constitution (as amended), laws of the country, rules of the Senate as well as parliamentary conventions and practices should be adhered to in resolving the issue, saying that the resolution should be done transparently without being seen to be protective of any of the parties.
Making a case for a transparent probe, Saraki said, “At this point, with the public claims made by the Senator, the right measure to take is to institute an open, transparent, and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. Both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it. This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid it in the conduct of a transparent and open investigation.
“I remember during the 8th Senate when a Senator claimed that I imported an official car for my use as Senate President and that Customs duty was not paid on the vehicle. Since I knew the claim was false, the matter was referred to the Ethics Committee and I appeared before the committee to testify, in the full glare of the media. From my testimony, it was clear the Senator who made the allegation got his facts wrong and was only being mischievous.
“Also, on the day the committee submitted its report for debate on the floor, I stepped down and allowed my deputy to preside. The transparent manner in which the investigation and the debate on the report were handled assured everybody that there was no case. This is a precedent that the leadership of the 10th Senate should follow.
“In my case, the decision to allow an open investigation and subjecting myself to it was not an easy one. It was humbling but I realized that was the best decision and in the end I am happy I travelled that route.”
Warning the Senate against sweeping the allegations under the carpet, Saraki said, “We should not allow the Senate to be cast in the shroud of an institution encouraging sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, flagrant disregard for standing orders and rules, and lack of orderliness. This is what a transparent, open, and unbiased investigation should achieve. The due process should be followed in this case such that where anybody is found to have committed any wrong, the wrong should be pointed out and corrected. Also, the right remedy should be made.”
On why he is calling for probe as he is not supporting any of the parties, Saraki said, “ Let me make it clear without any ambiguity that I am neither stating that Akpabio is guilty of anything nor am I expressing the opinion that Senator Akpoti Uduaghan is right in her actions and claims. My position is that an investigation is needed to find out the truth and protect the integrity of the Senate.
“For me, the institution of the Senate is so important, sacred, and pre-eminent. All lovers of democracy should always work to strengthen it. No leader or member should be allowed to openly or surreptitiously work to subvert its sanctity,” Saraki added.
Defamation: Akpabio’s wife drags Natasha to court, demands N250bn damages
Meanwhile, Mrs Unoma Akpabio, wife of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has filed separate lawsuits against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, over alleged defamation and violation of fundamental human rights.
The legal action was sequel to recent claims by Natasha that her troubles in the Senate started following her refusal to have a sexual relationship with Akapbio.
In the first suit on fundamental rights violation marked Suit No: CV/814/25, Mrs Akpabio is accusing Natasha of making false and scandalous statements that caused emotional trauma for her and her children, leaving them in fear for their lives.
She also asked the court to declare Natasha’s statements as a violation of her right to dignity under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Mrs Akpabio is also seeking for ₦250billion damages as compensation and a perpetual injunction to stop Natasha from making further damaging claims.
In a separate defamation Suit No: CV/816/25, Mrs Akpabio challenged the senator’s claim that her husband made sexual advances towards her.
She further described the allegations as false, malicious, and damaging, saying they had brought her family into disrepute and public shame.
As part of her demands, Mrs Akpabio is asking the court to order Natasha to issue a public apology in two national newspapers, The Guardian and ThisDay, and pay ₦1 billion in damages.
Mrs Akpabio said, “The allegations have caused untold pain and emotional trauma to me and my family.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of both suits.
Stay out of my allegations, Natasha warns Akpabio’s wife
In a related development, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, wife of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to refrain from involving herself in the ongoing alleged sexual harassment and intimidation against her husband.
Speaking through her lawyer, Bar Victor Giwa, in a letter dated March 1, 2025 and addressed to Mrs. Akpabio through her lawyer, Natasha urged her to stay out of the matter.
In 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,’ Natasha stated that the allegations were personal to the Senate President and that he should be left to defend himself.
Natasha added that she had endured harassment from Akpabio but was now compelled to speak out.
The letter reads in part, “Our Client is not desirous of calling you out into the unfortunate saga concerning her allegations against the Senate President, and wishes that you restrain yourself from delving into the obscene circumstances. While she has tolerated all the harassment from the Senate President, she was constrained to reveal the unfortunate torture and victimization which she has been going through in the red chambers under the hand of the Senate President.
“Our client has concrete evidence to substantiate her allegations. We will suggest that you leave the defense of the allegations for the Senate President to maintain your sanity and that of your family.
“Our client remains resolute in the defense of Nigerian women and as a family woman, she will continue to maintain our common heritage and family values,” Natasha added.
Treat my wife with respect, Natasha’s husband tells Akpabio
Husband of Senator Natasha, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, has called on the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio to treat his wife with the respect and dignity she deserves.
Uduaghan, who is also the Alema of Warri Kingdom, stated this in a press statement made available to journalists on Saturday.
He added that while he had initially refrained from commenting, recent developments had compelled him to speak out for the sake of his wife and family.
Uduaghan said, “I would never trade her for anything, as she is the greatest joy of my life,”adding that the dispute was distracting from more pressing issues.
He added that Natasha was duly elected by the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District, who have unwavering confidence in her ability to deliver quality representation.
Describing her as a devoted wife and a person of integrity, Uduaghan disclosed that Natasha had confided in him about her interactions with Akpabio, whom he regarded as a family friend. In response, he said he approached the matter with maturity and diplomacy, seeking to foster peace.
He further revealed that he had personally met with Akpabio on the matter, urging him to accord Natasha due respect and to honour their mutual friendship. Uduaghan also stated that both parties had agreed to resolve the issue amicably.
He then said, “However, despite this agreement, my wife continues to express concerns about the harassment she has endured from the Senate President.”
Uduaghan therefore called on the Senate and Akpabio to uphold the mutual respect while awaiting legal resolutions on the matter.
Investigate Natasha’s allegations against Akpabio, Atiku tells Tinubu, Senate
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the Senate to investigate the allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment leveled against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement made available on Friday, Atiku expressed deep concern, stating that such allegations are grave and should not be dismissed without a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation.
He said, “The Nigerian Senate represents the voice of the people. Those who serve in it—especially its leadership—must uphold the highest standards of integrity, dignity, and respect for the offices they hold and for the citizens they serve.”
Atiku added that as the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character, adding that sexual harassment in the workplace is a major barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, national progress.
He said, “At a time when only four women serve in the Senate, it is imperative to foster an environment where female legislators can work without fear of harassment or intimidation.”
The former Vice President urged President Tinubu and the Senate leadership to ensure a credible and independent investigation, saying that the outcome of the matter will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, accountability, and gender inclusion in governance.
“This moment demands careful and principled action to uphold the integrity of our institutions and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of gender, is treated with dignity and respect,” he added.
Leave me out of Natasha’s affairs, Reno Omokri begs Nigerians
A former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has urged Nigerians to leave him out of the controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent allegations of sexual advances against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Following her allegation, some Nigerians recalled an incident involving Natasha and Omokri in 2014, drawing parallels between the two cases.
But addressing the matter in a statement posted on his X page on Saturday, Omokri clarified his past encounter with Natasha and pleaded to be left out of the current issue.
“I have been inundated with calls from almost all major media outlets in Nigeria seeking my reaction to Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan’s accusations against the Senate President. Many referenced a past allegation she made against me, which was similar to her current claims against Akpabio,” Omokri wrote.
He expressed frustration over being drawn into the controversy and stated that he preferred to put the matter to rest for the sake of his family.
Omokri explained that his altercation with Natasha stemmed from a social media incident where he rejected a woman’s advances, declaring his loyalty to his wife.
According to him, the woman was a friend of Natasha, who then accused him of sexual harassment at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa during a reception for then-Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in May 2014.
Omokri maintained that he had no knowledge of the truth behind Natasha ’s allegations against Akpabio, as he was not present when the alleged incident occurred.
The statement read: “Unfortunately for Senator Akpoti, during those dates, I was sent to the United States of America as President Jonathan’s special envoy. I met and was photographed with multiple U.S. officials, including State Department officials, in Washington, D.C.
“I then published a First Class British Airways ticket and my passport (which was a different class of passport from the regular Nigerian passport and requires a special kind of stamp), proving that I was not in Nigeria on the dates Senator Akpoti alleged I sexually harassed her.
“After I published that evidence, Miss Natasha Akpoti, as she then was, deleted every trace of her allegations against me and the video she had made insulting me, my wife and my newborn daughter.
“As I was pondering the next steps to take, a very influential and respectable man from my ethnic nationality, reached out to a prominent Christian clergyman, who mediated between him and I. The gentleman greeted me in my mother tongue, Itsekiri, and was most gentlemanly and expressed regrets over the incident, and I was prevailed on by the clergyman to reach an out-of-court settlement.
“Thereafter, I dropped the matter since my name had been cleared, and the out-of-court settlement was adequate.
“That is the extent of my encounter with Senator Natasha Akpoti. I hope the media can now leave me alone, as I am reluctant to grant any interviews or get entangled in this matter, seeing as I have the highest respect for the man who reached out to me to settle the matter.
“As for the Senate, I have the highest respect and confidence in that institution and its leadership and believe that the right thing to do would be to institute a Senate investigation by the appropriate committee to determine the veracity of the present allegations.”
Natasha’s actions disrespectful to Senate, womanhood- Igbo group
Meanwhile, the Igbo United Professionals (IUP) has described the actions of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over the decision of the Senate to change her seat, as disrespectful to not only the Senate as an institution but the womanhood in general.
The group said this in statement signed by its President, Chief Emmanuel Ikechukwu-Jonathan, Esq, and made available to journalists in Enugu.
The IUP maintained that Natasha’s follow up actions in the media where she deviated from the original subject matter to employing emotional blackmail against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and by implication the Senate, was highly unfortunate.
The group noted that her act did not only bring disrepute to the entire Senate as a body but also to the womanhood, because she is supposed to know that she should be a role model to many at the level she is currently operating.
The statement reads in part, “We have been following up the happenings at the hallowed Chamber of the Senate since the Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan feud with the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
“From our observations and investigations, the cause of the whole issue started with the reallocation of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat to a different location in the Chamber by the leadership of the Senate due to some Senators who decamped to the All Progressive Congress (APC) from the opposition parties.
“Based on the rules of the Senate, we are made to know that the leadership of the Senate is empowered to allocate and reallocate seats to Senators and this has been happening to other Senators on several occasions. It is not only peculiar to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“So, as a result of the decamping development that occurred in the Senate, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was changed, and instead of her to respect the rules that empowered such action, she turned the hallowed Chamber of the Senate in to a typical market session with an uncultured attack on the person of the Senate President and the entire Senate as a body.
“All efforts by the Senate President to inform her that she is not permitted to speak from the seat she was speaking from fell on deaf ears.”
The IUP said that if Senator Natasha was truly cultured as an African woman, she would have quietly apologized and moved to the seat where she was authorized to speak from, but instead she kept shouting on top of her voice that she was not afraid of the Senate President and will go all out to fight him back.
The group maintained that the said act alone was a disgrace and disrespect to the constituted authority of the Senate, which demands a public apology before whatever objection or evidence she is putting forward.
It said, “We also gathered that part of her disaffection with the Senate leadership was because she was dropped from the chairmanship of the Local Content Committee.
“It is pertinent to note that she was appointed as Chairman of a committee immediately she came to the Senate at the mercy of the Senate President, it is a privilege and not a right. The rules of the Senate empowers the Senate President to appoint whoever should be a Committee Chairman or a member. So she can’t take because she was dropped from the Chairmanship of a committee to disrespect the Senate President.”
The group wondered why Natasha chose to come to the media to employ emotional blackmail against Akpabio and be alleging that she was being harassed, instead of quietly honouring the invitation of the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee of the Senate to defend herself.
The group noted that the act of alleging sexual harassment on male folks that Natasha had encounter with was her stock in trade, adding, “this information is out there in the public domain and it does not tell well of her personality. Silence is golden and it is an act of wisdom too.”
The group commended Senator Ireti Kingibe for coming out to clarify to Nigerians on the true picture of the happenings in the Senate and corroborating the fact that Natasha was flouting the rules of the Senate.
Describing Senator Kingibe as a true African mother who will always stand by the truth no matter the situation, the IUP said her revelation of Natasha’s flagrant disrespect to the Senate rules was highly appreciated by Nigerians.
The group said that Senator Kingibe’s revelation also laid to rest Natasha’s emotional blackmail against the Senate as an institution and the Senate President.
Calling on Natasha to come forward with evidence of the said harassment she alleged against Akpabio, the IUP maintained that if her allegations were backed with facts, why did she not report her experiences to the wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, since they were family friends.
According to the group, “Section 131 of the Evidence Act states that any person who desires any Court to give judgment as to any legal right or liability dependent on the existence of facts shall assert and prove that those facts exist,”
“We have seen pictures of the Akpabio family visiting the Akpoti-Uduaghan’s family which implies that they are very close. So, why did she not make use of her cordiality with the Akpabio family to start addressing the challenges she was experiencing if her allegations were anything close to the truth.”
Commending Mrs. Akpabio, for standing by her husband at this trying times, the group said it is fully behind her and and the family, and will not fold their hands to watch a senator dragging the number three citizen of the country to the mud.
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