Deputy Senate Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwaebonyi has dismissed allegations of sexual harassment made by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, questioning the validity of her claims.
Speaking in an interview with News Central TV on Wednesday, Nwaebonyi alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan had a history of making baseless accusations for personal gain.
He referenced a past incident where she reportedly accused Reno Omokri of harassment during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, despite Omokri being in the U.S. at the time.
“She falsely accused Reno Omokri of sexual harassment when Goodluck Jonathan was president, even though the man was not in the country.
Any slight provocation and she brings up these kinds of allegations,” Nwaebonyi claimed.
He went further to question the senator’s motivations, saying, “Does she believe she is the most beautiful woman in Nigeria?
“Or is it just because of her complexion? In my opinion, she is not among the most beautiful women in the country.”
The deputy whip stated that his criticism was not just in defence of Akpabio but to prevent what he described as future false allegations.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Akpabio of sexual harassment following a confrontation in the Senate over seating arrangements.
“The Senate later suspended her for six months for “gross misconduct.”
Shortly after, some constituents from Kogi Central began a recall process against her, citing allegations of abuse of office and misconduct.
She has denied the accusations, calling them an attempt to silence her.
