The Nigerian Senate has recently been rocked by serious allegations from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment. The claims, made publicly and stirring national conversation, have not only raised fresh concerns over the culture within Nigeria’s legislative chambers but have also highlighted the gaps in Nigeria’s sexual harassment laws and the potential conflicts of interest surrounding members of the Senate’s Ethics Committee.
Nigeria’s legal framework for addressing sexual offenses has improved in recent years but still shows significant gaps, particularly regarding sexual harassment in professional environments, including government institutions.
The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPPA) 2015 stands as Nigeria’s most comprehensive legal instrument addressing sexual violence. Under Section 1 of the Act, rape and other forms of sexual assault are criminalized, with clear penalties prescribed. However, the law’s application is limited to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, unless domesticated by individual states. Additionally, while VAPPA and other statutes criminalize certain forms of sexual violence, Nigeria still lacks specific, nationwide legislation that directly addresses workplace sexual harassment, leaving many survivors in professional settings under-protected.
Despite global momentum—where over 119 countries have enacted workplace sexual harassment protections—Nigeria continues to lag, with no explicit law prohibiting harassment in both employment and educational contexts. This legislative gap is one of the reasons allegations like Senator Natasha’s become difficult to pursue formally, especially when involving high-ranking officials.
HOW OTHER SENATE MEMBERS ARE REACTING
The allegations have elicited mixed reactions across the Senate floor. Some members have outright dismissed the claims, while others have called for restraint and due process. As of March 4, 2025, Nigerian senators and former lawmakers have expressed various opinions regarding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, the Deputy Chief Whip, was quick to deny witnessing any inappropriate conduct during the December 2023 event where the alleged incident took place. He stated publicly that there was “no such occurrence” involving the Senate President and that the celebration was peaceful.
Meanwhile, Senate Spokesman, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, described the allegations as “baseless” and “media-driven,” emphasizing that no formal complaint had been submitted to the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, which would typically handle such accusations internally.
Adding a regional perspective, King Bubaraye Dakolo, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, criticized public calls for Akpabio’s resignation, suggesting that the allegations were part of a broader attempt to undermine the South-South’s political leadership.
Nigerian Senators on Natasha Akpoti
The Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, has stated that the sexual harassment allegation is not currently before the Senate, and the only matter under consideration is Akpoti-Uduaghan’s non-compliance with Senate standing orders.
REACTIONS FROM SENATORS AND FORMER LAWMAKERS:
Senator Yemi Adaramodu: The Senate spokesperson clarified that the sexual harassment allegation by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio is not before the Senate. The only matter being considered is Akpoti-Uduaghan’s non-compliance with Senate standing orders.
North Central Women Association (NCWA): The NCWA, led by Dr. Maryam Abu-Goodman, has demanded that Senate President Godswill Akpabio publicly and unreservedly apologize to Senator Natasha for his treatment of her on the Senate floor. The association condemned Akpabio’s actions, stating they undermine the dignity of women in leadership and are unacceptable.
Former Senator Florence Ita-Giwa: Ita-Giwa has dismissed the sexual harassment claims, arguing that female senators should not face such situations once they reach the National Assembly. She stated that raising such allegations at the senatorial level portrays weakness and that all senators are equals.
Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwaebonyi: Nwaebonyi has denied the sexual harassment allegations, stating that he was present at Akpabio’s birthday event in December 2023 and that the incident did not occur. He questioned why Akpoti-Uduaghan would claim to be the only woman in Nigeria to face such treatment.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: Natasha has alleged that her seat change in the Senate was a deliberate trap set by Akpabio to silence her. She also claimed that Akpabio made sexual advances towards her in exchange for supporting her motions. She criticized Akpabio for preventing her from speaking under “Order 10” before announcing her suspension from the chamber.
THE ETHICAL DILEMMA: SENATOR IRETI KING’S ROLE AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
One of the more complicated aspects of this unfolding story is the role of Senator Ireti King, a member of the Senate’s Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions Committee. This committee would likely be tasked with any formal investigation into Senator Natasha’s allegations.
However, Senator Ireti has already made public comments on Arise TV, where she expressed skepticism regarding the allegations, suggesting that they lacked substance. These comments, made before any formal inquiry, have raised serious questions about her impartiality should the Ethics Committee be called to investigate the matter.
As a sitting member of the committee, public commentary that leans toward discrediting the accuser could compromise not only the integrity of any potential investigation but also the credibility of the committee itself. Ethically, members tasked with adjudicating sensitive matters are expected to maintain strict neutrality until official findings are made. Senator Ireti’s statements may open the door for calls demanding her recusal from any inquiry into the case to ensure fairness.
WHAT THIS MEANS GOING FORWARD
As of March 5th ,2024, Senator Natasha has filed a petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of sexual harassment, abuse of office, and obstruction of her legislative duties. The petition was submitted during a Senate plenary session.
The gaps in Nigeria’s sexual harassment protections, the political dynamics within the Senate, and the conduct of those charged with maintaining ethics standards are all now in the spotlight especially with the below reactions from other senate members.
The allegations have elicited varied responses from members of the Senate:
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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has denied the allegations, stating during the plenary that he has never harassed any woman.
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Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno cited Senate Order 40(4), which states that any matter already in court cannot be debated in the Senate, urging the Senate to reject the petition.
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Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also urged the Senate to reject the petition outright and suggested discussing the matter in a closed-door session.
This case could be a defining moment for the National Assembly to reflect on how it handles sexual harassment claims, especially when they involve its own members. More importantly, it revives the urgent conversation about the need for comprehensive sexual harassment legislation that protects all Nigerians, including those working in government.
