Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Stands Her Ground

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Breaks Silence: Defends Allegations, Calls for Justice and Legal Integrity

In a Bold Stand, Natasha Responds to Misrepresentation

In a bold and unwavering tone,

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has finally broken her silence

regarding the sexual harassment allegations she made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Responding to what she described as a “misrepresentation of facts,”

her reaction sets the stage for a legal and political battle that could redefine the treatment of women in Nigerian governance.

The Pressure Mounts: Why Natasha Chose Silence

Her statement, issued on April 30, 2025,

was a response to a letter from Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association.

Agbakoba, in a letter dated April 14,

demanded that Natasha retract her allegations and provide evidence of misconduct,

which she said occurred on December 8, 2023.

However, Natasha asserted that she never received any such letter neither by mail, courier, nor personal delivery.

She criticized the accusations of silence as misleading, stating clearly:

“I place it on formal record that no such letters have ever been served upon me.

The imputation of recalcitrance is therefore inoperative.”

This strong declaration emphasized her commitment to handling the matter strictly within the legal framework.

Legal Principles Over Public Trials

Senator Natasha also explained why she initially remained silent not out of fear, but out of respect for legal proceedings.

She invoked the legal doctrine of lis pendens, which discourages parties from commenting on matters already before the court.

Currently, two separate lawsuits are active:

1. Suit CV/816/2025 – Filed by Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, the Senate President’s wife, seeking ₦250 billion in damages.

2. Suit FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 – Filed by Natasha herself, challenging her controversial suspension from the Senate.

While only one of these suits is directly related to the sexual harassment claim,

both are relevant to the broader conversation about justice, power,

and gender dynamics in the legislative chamber.

Calling Out Hypocrisy: Agbakoba in the Spotlight

In her response, Senator Natasha called out Olisa Agbakoba for what she termed a clear contradiction.

She accused him of invoking the sub judice rule to halt a Senate probe into the matter,

only to turn around and demand a public debate and evidence outside the court process.

“A litigant may not approbate in the courts and reprobate in the press,” she emphasized.

This sharply worded statement reflects her refusal to let the court of public opinion replace constitutional procedures.

The Core Legal Issue: Who Holds the Authority?

Natasha further criticized the idea that a private legal practitioner no matter how influential

has the right to demand evidence or enforce legal compliance outside of court.

“A private legal practitioner, however distinguished, is not vested with adjudicatory authority

under the Constitution or any statute of the Federal Republic,” she stated.

By doing so, she reaffirmed the primacy of due process over public posturing.

No Room for Misinterpretation: Civility Is Not Consent

One of the most emotionally resonant parts of Senator Natasha’s letter came

when she tackled claims that her previous civil interactions with Akpabio somehow undermined her accusations.

She stated emphatically that civility should never be mistaken for consent.

“To do so trivialises a serious concern of sexual harassment, especially in a workplace where there is a dominant power dynamic,” she added.

This part of her message speaks volumes, especially in a culture where victims are often dismissed based on how they previously interacted with their abusers.

Unyielding Pursuit of Justice: No Retraction in Sight

Rather than backtrack, Senator Natasha doubled down on her decision to seek justice through formal legal channels.

She made it clear that her complaint, filed on February 28, 2025, remains unchanged.

“This letter is issued solely to correct the public record and to prevent a constructive admission being inferred from silence,” she explained.

Furthermore, she requested that all future correspondence be directed to her legal team,

showing her intent to avoid any further political distractions or media controversies.

Challenging Conflict of Interest: Akpabio’s Dual Role

Another significant point in Natasha’s response is her accusation that Senate President Akpabio violated the principle of natural justice.

By presiding over his own matter her suspension he acted as a judge in his own case.

She referenced the Latin maxim: Nemo judex in causa sua, which translates to “No one should be a judge in their own case.”

This claim points to a serious ethical dilemma and raises concerns about conflict of interest in Nigeria’s legislative processes.

Broader Implications for Nigerian Politics

Senator Natasha’s decision to speak out is more than a personal battle it’s a political earthquake.

Her case sheds light on issues ranging from abuse of power and sexual harassment to the role of legal integrity in governance.

As more women find the courage to speak up,

her actions could become a defining moment for gender equity in Nigerian politics.

A National Call for Legal Integrity

At the heart of Senator Natasha’s position is a simple but profound message: justice must prevail through the courts not the press, social media, or political influence.

Her insistence on respecting legal processes sends a clear warning against the dangerous trend of trial by media,

which often undermines the rule of law.