Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to offer an apology to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan — but only if her allegation of sexual harassment against him holds water.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had in March submitted an affidavit to the Senate Ethics Committee, backing her petition accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment, abuse of office, and obstruction of legislative duties. However, the committee dismissed her claims, describing them as “dead on arrival.”
At a press briefing on Tuesday, April 15, at his Apapa Chambers in Lagos, Agbakoba said he decided to publicly address the matter to avoid appearing confrontational toward Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
He raised concerns over what he described as “significant inconsistencies” in the timeline of events as presented in the senator’s petition.
“We respect and support the global and national efforts to create a safe and respectful environment for all, especially women in public life. However, we must also uphold the principles of justice, which require fairness, objectivity, and evidence,” Agbakoba stated.
The senior lawyer questioned how Akpoti-Uduaghan could accuse Akpabio of sexual harassment allegedly committed on December 8, 2023, only to post glowing tributes to him on social media the next day, December 9.
“These posts included praise for the Senate President and reflections on his birthday celebration in Uyo, Akwa Ibom,” he said. “This juxtaposition — an alleged traumatic incident followed by voluntary public eulogies — presents a contradiction that must be carefully examined.”
Agbakoba also drew attention to the senator’s past claims, including a 2021 allegation against a former presidential aide that was later withdrawn, and a video where she accused an unnamed minister of misconduct.
He clarified that previous incidents did not nullify the current allegation but argued that consistency and corroboration were vital.
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He encouraged the senator to provide more evidence, especially since she had earlier shown readiness to do so.
“As the claim currently stands, it falls short of the global legal threshold for proving sexual harassment,” he said, warning that such serious matters should be handled through established institutions and not via public media trials.
In a letter dated April 14 and addressed to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, but not yet formally delivered, Agbakoba’s legal team requested clarification on the perceived contradictions, giving her two weeks to respond before deciding the next steps.
The letter reads: “We are solicitors to Senator Godswill Akpabio (our client) and write based on his instructions regarding your claims of sexual harassment stated in your petition dated 4th March 2025.
“We respect and support the global and international efforts to create a safe and respectful environment for all, especially women in public life. Gender-based harassment has no place in our institutions and every allegation deserves serious attention.
“While we support a society where individuals feel safe to speak up, we must also uphold the principles of justice that require evidence and fairness. Our legal system is built on the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, and this fundamental principle must be respected even in sensitive cases. We painstakingly reviewed your claims and have concern.
“At paragraph 4.1.2 of your petition, you claim our client sexually harassed you on December 8, 2023, during your visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom State. For ease of reference, a copy of your petition highlighting the relevant part is attached.
“However, just one day later, on December 9, 2023, you posted warm, celebratory messages about our client on your social account (Instagram and X/Twitter). In these posts, you expressed admiration and personal affection towards him. Copies of these posts from Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) are attached to this letter with relevant portion.
“The timeline and dates are so contradictory. On the one hand, you complain about sexual harassment on December 8, 2023, yet on the other, you praise Senator Akpabio who you alleged sexually harassed you on December 9, 2023. The juxtaposition of these two events, an alleged traumatic harassment followed by voluntary, public expression of admiration requires careful consideration.”