Olisa Agbakoba, former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has stated that the sexual harassment allegation made by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, against Godswill Akpabio, the senate president, is marred by “significant contradictions” and “falls short of the threshold for proving sexual harassment anywhere in the world.”
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, Agbakoba emphasised the need for justice to be rooted in both fairness and evidence, even as society encourages victims to speak out.
“In an ideal society, individuals should feel safe to speak up,” he said. “However, the principles of justice, which require evidence and fairness, must be upheld.”
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Agbakoba, who is also representing Akpabio in the matter, revealed that he had written to Akpoti-Uduaghan on behalf of the Senate President, demanding a clarification of the inconsistencies in her claims, which had received wide media attention both locally and internationally.
“This widespread coverage has damaged our client’s reputation locally and internationally. We are happy to allow you a reasonable time to clarify the contradictions that we have referred, while our client reserves the right to all legal options,” Agbakoba said in the letter.
Citing specifics at the press briefing, the Senior Advocate questioned the credibility of the timeline presented by the embattled Senator, stating that her own public actions contradict the gravity of the allegation.
“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan claims that she was sexually harassed by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on December 8, 2023,” he said. “However, merely one day later, on December 9, 2023, she publicly posted favourable messages about the Senate President on both her Instagram and X accounts.
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“In these posts, she eulogised the Senate President and spoke highly of the birthday event she attended in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.”
Agbakoba added that “the juxtaposition of these two events — an alleged traumatic harassment, followed by voluntary public expressions of admiration — requires careful consideration.”
Referencing earlier accusations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan against other public figures, including Reno Omokri and a former minister, Agbakoba said while each case must be assessed individually, a pattern was emerging that necessitated scrutiny.
“Sexual harassment is a serious matter that deserves careful and fair consideration. We acknowledge the difficulty faced by anyone making such allegations and the importance of treating all parties with dignity,” he stated.
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“Our review of the available public records reveals significant contradictions that must be considered for a fair evaluation of the situation. We believe that proper institutional processes, rather than media forums, provide the appropriate venue for addressing such serious matters,” Agbakoba concluded.
