Senator Natasha takes Akpabio to court over alleged sexual harassment demands 100.3 billions

DDM News

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a defamation lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports that she accused him of punishing her for rejecting his alleged sexual advances.

Their dispute became public after a disagreement over seating arrangements in the Senate chambers.

Natasha claimed Akpabio deliberately ignored her contributions during a plenary session.

She said he had instructed her to speak from a seat she found unfavorable.

After refusing, she was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary action.

She alleged that this move was retaliation for rejecting Akpabio’s advances.

She has now taken legal action, demanding N100.3 billion in damages.

Reports from The Guardian indicate that Natasha’s issues with Akpabio began long before the seating disagreement.

She revealed that her husband had noticed Akpabio’s inappropriate behavior toward her.

She stated that she had gathered evidence, including WhatsApp messages and call records.

During an interview with Arise TV, Natasha narrated how Akpabio allegedly made persistent advances toward her.

She linked her struggles in the Senate to her attempts to push for an investigation into corruption at Ajaokuta Steel Company.

She said she had tried five times to move a motion for the investigation.

Her motion was only approved on the sixth attempt after repeated delays.

Many senators could confirm these delays in listing her motion on the Senate order paper.

Natasha recalled how she visited Akpabio’s office to discuss the motion.

Several senators had advised her to meet him personally and plead for his approval.

She emphasized that the Ajaokuta Steel Company was important to her, her constituents, and Nigeria’s economy.

She asked Akpabio why her motion was consistently ignored despite its significance.

She said, “Sir, please, why can’t you take this motion? It is very important.”

Her motion was listed a third time but was stepped down again.

She claimed Akpabio then made an inappropriate remark.

According to her, he said, “Natasha, I am the Chief Presiding Officer of the Senate. You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me. Make me happy.”

She was shocked by his statement and tried to dismiss it.

She responded, “Sir, I will pretend that I did not hear this.”

Akpabio allegedly replied, “Well, the ball is in your court.”

After this exchange, she immediately left his office.

Natasha compared her experience to that of a student being punished for rejecting a lecturer’s sexual advances.

She said her refusal led to deliberate attempts to suppress her contributions in the Senate.

She believed Akpabio was using his position to punish her.

She insisted that the Senate must uphold integrity and ethical leadership.

She called for an end to sexual harassment and abuse of power within the Senate.

She expressed disappointment in how Akpabio handled legislative matters.

She suggested that his alleged misconduct extended beyond personal issues into political affairs.

She said the Senate should be a place of dignity and accountability.

Her defamation lawsuit aims to hold Akpabio accountable for his actions.

Akpabio has not responded directly to Natasha’s allegations.

Political analysts believe this controversy could affect public trust in Senate leadership.

The lawsuit could also impact discussions on gender equality in the Senate.

Observers are watching closely as the case unfolds.

If Natasha proves her claims in court, Akpabio could face serious consequences.

This case could reshape how misconduct is addressed in the Senate.

It could also influence ethical standards for future Senate leadership.

Many Nigerians are waiting to see how the Senate handles these allegations.

The case has sparked debates on power dynamics in Nigerian politics.

Some critics argue that Natasha’s claims should be fully investigated.

Others believe this case highlights the need for stronger protections against harassment in the Senate.

If found guilty, Akpabio’s political career could suffer severe damage.

The Senate’s response to this controversy will determine its commitment to justice and fairness.

This legal battle could set a precedent for addressing harassment within Nigerian politics.

The outcome may shape future discussions on workplace ethics in government institutions.

Natasha’s lawsuit has drawn attention to the challenges female lawmakers face.

Many advocacy groups have expressed support for her decision to speak out.

Her case may encourage other women in politics to report misconduct.

Legal experts suggest the case could take months to resolve.

The Senate may be forced to address internal policies on ethical conduct.

Natasha has stated that she is prepared to present all necessary evidence in court.

She emphasized that she would not be intimidated into silence.

She urged the Senate to ensure fairness in handling the matter.

As the case progresses, Nigerians expect transparency in the legal proceedings.

Many believe this is a critical test of accountability in the Senate.

This lawsuit could change how allegations of misconduct are treated in the future.

Regardless of the outcome, the case has already sparked national discussions on ethics in governance.

The Senate now faces pressure to uphold its reputation.

Nigerians will be watching closely as the legal battle unfolds.

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