NIGERIA: Ita-Giwa Faults Senator Natasha’s Sexual Harassment Claims, Calls It A Sign Of Weakness

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria  

A former Senator representing Cross River South, Florence Ita-Giwa, has dismissed allegations of sexual harassment raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing such claims as a display of weakness unbefitting of a lawmaker.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Tuesday, Ita-Giwa argued that women who have successfully navigated the tough terrain of Nigerian politics to become senators should no longer consider themselves vulnerable to sexual harassment.

“By the time you contest elections and get to the Senate, you have passed that stage of your life where sexual harassment is even a possibility. In the Senate, you are there as an equal. You are not there as a woman, but as a representative of the people,” Ita-Giwa said.

Her remarks follow Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public allegation that Akpabio frustrated her attempts to move motions related to the Ajaokuta Steel Company because she refused his alleged sexual advances.

While Ita-Giwa clarified that she was not calling Akpoti-Uduaghan a liar, she insisted that making such claims at the senatorial level reflects a lack of strength and confidence.

“It’s a sign of weakness for any female senator to come forward with allegations of sexual harassment. When you are at that level, you must carry yourself with authority. You cannot allow it to happen,” Ita-Giwa added.

When asked whether women should remain silent about inappropriate behavior from male colleagues, the former presidential adviser maintained her position, arguing that the Senate is a platform for equals, where personal strength and political courage matter more than gender.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rift with Akpabio escalated last week after she was unexpectedly moved from her Senate seat, leading to a brief disruption during plenary.

The Kogi Central senator further alleged that her troubles began after she and her husband attended Akpabio’s birthday celebration in December 2023.

According to her, Akpabio allegedly made inappropriate advances while giving her a tour of his home, prompting her husband to advise her never to be alone with him.

Although Akpabio has yet to officially respond to the allegations, his wife, Ekaette Akpabio, has already taken legal action by filing a defamation suit against Akpoti-Uduaghan.