Dr. Olisa Agbakoba Raises Concerns Over the Validity of Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Senate President Akpabio

Dr. Olisa Agbakoba Raises Concerns Over the Validity of Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Senate President Akpabio

Renowned legal expert Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has expressed skepticism regarding the sexual harassment claims made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, highlighting what he refers to as “serious inconsistencies” in her account.

In a press conference at his office in Apapa, Lagos, Dr. Agbakoba, who leads Akpabio’s legal defense team, emphasized the importance of addressing such sensitive matters with fairness and based on solid evidence. While he voiced strong support for the broader movement against gender-based harassment, he reiterated that the pursuit of justice should not be compromised.

“We fully support initiatives aimed at creating safe environments for women, particularly in leadership roles,” Agbakoba stated. “However, justice requires that each allegation be handled impartially and supported by verifiable evidence.”

Agbakoba pointed out issues concerning the timing of the events. He noted that even though Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that the incident took place on December 8, 2023, she made positive comments about Akpabio on social media the following day, celebrating him and his birthday in Akwa Ibom.

“This discrepancy between a supposedly traumatic event and subsequent public admiration raises important questions that must be addressed,” he remarked.

He also mentioned previous allegations made by the senator, including a retracted claim from 2021 against a former presidential aide and a video in which she accused an unidentified minister. While not completely dismissing her latest allegations, Agbakoba pointed out that these past incidents underscore the necessity for reliable and consistent claims.

He urged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to provide further evidence since she had previously indicated her willingness to share more details. Agbakoba argued that her current claim does not align with established global legal standards for proving sexual harassment and should be handled through the appropriate institutional channels rather than through media attention.

A formal letter from Agbakoba’s team, dated April 14 and pending delivery to the senator, requests clarification on the noted inconsistencies and allows her two weeks to respond before deciding on further legal actions.

The situation has elicited mixed reactions nationwide. Advocacy groups, such as the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON), have characterized the allegations as politically motivated, while others, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have called for an independent investigation.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan maintains that her rejection of Akpabio’s alleged advances resulted in political retaliation, leading to her removal from committee leadership and a contentious reassignment. The Senate has since suspended her for six months, citing procedural violations, although many observers argue that this action was in response to her allegations.

As the situation evolves, demands for transparency and impartial investigations are increasing, emphasizing the need for accountability and integrity within Nigeria’s legislative framework.