The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has denied sexually harassing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi).
Senator Akpabio rebutted the harassment allegation at the resumption of plenary on Wednesday, after a week's recess.
In February, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making sexual advances at her, saying it was a reason for the Senate President's treatment of her at the National Assembly.
The sour relationship between the duo came to the fore on 20 February when Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that her Senate seat was unjustly re-allocated.
The matter was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary review. The committee was given two weeks to submit its report.
Although the two weeks are yet to elapse, Akpabio has publicly denied any wrongdoing.
“On the 28th day of February, there were some serious allegations making the rounds in the social media and the TV of a purported harassment of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan," the Senate President said on Wednesday.
“While I am aware that the matters are in court, however, I would like to state clearly that at no time did I ever attempt this sexual harassment of the said Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan or any other woman.
“I and my siblings were raised very well by my late single mother who died in 2000 through very difficult times. I, therefore, have the highest regards for women.
“At no time did I ever harass any woman, and I will never do so,” he added.
Meanwhile, the police officers deployed at the National Assembly had, earlier in the day, dispersed protesters, believed to be Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters, from accessing the complex.
