I never sexually harassed Natasha- Akpabio

Godswill Akpabio, Senate president, has broken his silence over the allegation of sexual harassment by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Akpabio, while clearing the air on Wednesday at the commencement of the plenary, stated that he never harassed Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other female.

He said, “Since the 20th of February, I have been inundated with phone calls from various Nigerians.

“I would like to state that at no time did I sexually harass Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“I and my siblings were raised very well by my late single mother died in year 2000 through very difficult times and I therefore have the highest regards for women.

“Even after her demise, I still cry till today. I also wish to state that I have four beautiful daughters.

“So at no time have I or will I ever harass any woman, and I have never done so. In addition, even as a state governor, I was awarded various awards. One of them was the one you wish to know, the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria.”

He added, “I served between 2007 and 2015. To God be the glory. In conclusion, I urge all Nigerians, particularly the media and then, of course, the members of the social media, to await the court’s decision and please do not jump to conclusions on matters of mere allegations.

“I want to thank you for listening to me. I thank my colleagues because some of the phone calls were calls of support, solidarity, and prayer that the Almighty God will step in to vindicate the just.”

It will be recalled that Akpoti-Uduaghan had alleged last Friday that the Senate president had sexually harassed her.

Speaking during an interview on AriseTV morning Show, Natasha detailed an encounter at Akpabio’s residence in Ikot Ekpene and later in Uyo, where she claimed Akpabio attempted to establish an inappropriate relationship with her.

“And at first, we were at Ikot-Ekpene, we were in his house in Ikot-Ekpene for his birthday. Then we all moved to his house in Uyo, which was about 8 p.m. And he held my hand and said he wanted to show me around his house. My husband was walking behind us, just the three of us.

“We were walking around from room to room. He showed me the beautiful interior. This was done by this, by that, this designer here, he bought this from us. And then I noticed that he hastened his pace while still holding my hand. My husband was behind, still on his phone, but he was catching up whenever he could.

“And then he got to this particular sitting room, and he said, ‘Do you like my house?’ I said, ‘Of course, sir. Every room, beautiful, nice interior, quality taste.’ He said, ‘Now that you’re a senator, I’m going to create a time for us to come spend quality moments here. You will enjoy it.’”

According to Natasha, she pulled away at this point, confused by the comment.

“My husband was already near me, and the way he looked at me and looked at him, I was beginning to wonder, did he hear part of that inciting statement or not? And then the Senate president, too, I saw that he also had that thought, like, did my husband hear the invitation to treat or not?”