… I was raised very well by my mother, I didn’t harass any woman – Akpabio
By Jane Okafor, Abuja
Hundreds of supporters of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and members of civil society group stormed the National Assembly on Wednesday morning, asking Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step down pending an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment made against him.
The placards – bearing protesters who arrived at the National Assembly gate as early as 8:00 am, few hours before the resumption of the da’s plenary, called on Akpabio to step aside to ensure a transparent and unbiased investigation.
Unyielding, they carry banners with inscriptions such as ‘Akpabio Must Go’, and ‘Protect Women’s Rights,’ demanding accountability and the Senate to investigate Akpabio over the sexual harassment allegations.
Since the Kogi Central Senator clashed with Akpabio over seat rearrangement during plenary without her consent in February, degenerating to allegations of sexual advances against the Senate President, the matter between the two has continued to take a worsening dimension, including court action and counter – court.
The protesters siege at the National Assembly demanding Akpabio to step down pending the conclusion of investigation of allegations against him is the latest twist to the row.
The protest remained quite peaceful while security operatives, however, closely take vigil of the situation from vantage points.
One of the peaceful protesters said the groups’ objective is to ensure a transparent and unbiased investigation.
“We are here to demand justice for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and to hold those in power accountable. No one is above the law,” the spokesperson said. 
However, despite the peaceful demonstration, police operatives stormed the Assembly gate and dispersed the Pro – Natasha gathering using tear gas to prevent breakdown of law and order.
Meanwhile, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has formally submitted a petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of sexual harassment.
Speaking on Wednesday under Order 40 of the Senate Rules, Akpoti-Uduaghan recounted that she had earlier made the allegations against Akpabio during an interview on Arise TV and had now decided to present them officially before the Senate.
After her remarks, Akpabio directed her to proceed with the submission, which she did.
But the Senate President Godswill Akpabio also denied the allegations during the Senate’s plenary session on Wednesday after a one-week break.
He said, “At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised very well by my late single mother and I have always upheld respect for women. I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria.”
Embattled Akpabio said he had been flooded with calls about the matter since February 25 and was aware of the discussions on social media.
The former governor of Akwa Ibom State urged Nigerians and the media to avoid hasty conclusions, asking them to wait for the court’s decision.
