Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has weighed in on the sexual harassment allegations made by her colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Senator Natasha, who represents Kogi Central, alleged during an interview on Arise TV on Friday, February 28, 2025, that Akpabio had made romantic advances toward her. She claimed that after rejecting these advances, she faced persistent harassment in the Senate.
According to Natasha, the Senate President deliberately obstructed her motions from being heard on the Senate floor. She further alleged that some colleagues had advised her to meet with Akpabio privately in his office to address the issue. When she eventually visited his office, Natasha claimed Akpabio suggested she would receive certain benefits if she “took care of him.”
In response to these allegations, Senator Kingibe stated in an interview on Arise TV that she does not have a close relationship with Akpabio and, therefore, has never discussed issues of sexual harassment with him.
“I don’t have a close relationship with Akpabio to discuss issues of sexual harassment,” Kingibe clarified.
She also recalled a conversation with Natasha in which the Kogi senator disclosed that Akpabio had invited her to a hotel for a meeting.
“She told me that she was supposed to discuss something with Akpabio, but he said to meet him at a hotel. I advised her that you only meet senators in their homes or offices, not hotels,” Kingibe stated.
Additionally, Kingibe recounted an instance when she collected documents on behalf of her Senate colleagues, including Natasha.
“I collected some documents for Senator Natasha, informed her, and went to her house. While we were discussing, her husband came in,” she added.
The allegations have continued to spark widespread debate, with calls for further investigation into the claims. As of now, Senate President Akpabio has yet to make an official statement regarding the accusations.
