Senate President Godswill Akpabio is reportedly considering stepping down temporarily as part of a plan to clear his name of sexual harassment allegations while paving the way for the indefinite suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Sources within the Senate revealed that the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions (SCEPPP) will conduct an investigation into the allegations against Akpabio.
The panel is expected to officially exonerate him before recommending the indefinite suspension of Senator Natasha, who accused him of sexual harassment amid a dispute over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber.
Insiders in the federal legislature, reveal that both Akpabio and Natasha are set to appear before the committee in the coming days. The alleged plan is to have Akpabio step aside briefly “to fulfil all righteousness,” only for the committee to clear him of all wrongdoing. This will then be followed by Natasha’s suspension for the remainder of her tenure.
The investigation will be led by Senator Neda Imasuen. It is alleged that the recent statements by Senator Ireti Kingibe and Senate Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwebonyi are part of this well-made plan.
Kingibe, who initially criticized Natasha for her reaction to the seat reassignment, has now pledged to support an investigation into the sexual harassment claim.
“First, I would like to assure Nigerians that I will be at the forefront to champion the sexual harassment case involving my colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan when the investigation comes to the red chamber.
“I am aware of the narrative that has been going around, and to set the record straight, my actions were not to undermine her claims, but to buttress that I was not aware in the first place of any such happenings. Notwithstanding, I remain steadfast in the fight against all forms of violence against girls and women,” her statement on Friday said.
Meanwhile, Nwebonyi, during an interview with newsmen, confirmed that both Akpabio and Natasha would appear before the investigative panel, along with other senators who were present during the alleged incident.
A top Senate source disclosed that the goal is to ensure Natasha remains suspended for the rest of her tenure.
“The plan currently being orchestrated is to suspend Senator Natasha till the end of her tenure in 2027. The report of the panel is already being prepared, and the panel itself is just a formality.
“Akpabio will announce that he is stepping down temporarily to face investigation. After a few hours, the committee will declare him innocent, and Natasha will be suspended indefinitely,” the source revealed.
The conflict between the two senators escalated after Senator Natasha accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her during a visit to his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in December 2023. According to her, Akpabio held her hand, led her around his house, and made inappropriate advances—even in the presence of her husband.
Prior to that, Natasha had refused to accept a new seat in the chamber. She was eventually suspended for six months over what the Senate labelled as “misconduct.”
The decision was based on a report by the Senate Ethics Committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen.
Following her suspension, she was restrained from coming close to the Senate building. She was also instructed to surrender all official property to the Clerk of the National Assembly, among other penalties.
