Akpabio vs Natasha: Olisa Agbakoba hints at fresh legal action

Renowned lawyer and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has stated that the sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, who is currently under suspension, contains significant contradictions, and that fresh legal action might be taken against her over the matter.

Agbakoba, speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, added that the allegation, “as it currently stands, falls short of the threshold for proving sexual harassment anywhere in the world.”

The senior advocate noted that while individuals should feel safe to speak up in an ideal society, the principles of justice—requiring evidence and fairness—must also be upheld at all times.

Agbakoba (SAN), who also acts as Akpabio’s lawyer, wrote a letter to the Kogi senator on the instruction of the Senate President, asking her to clarify the contradictions in her allegations, which were widely published in both local and international media.

He said: “This widespread coverage has damaged our client’s reputation locally and internationally. We are happy to allow you a reasonable time to clarify the contradictions that we have referred, while our client reserves the right to all legal options.”

While addressing journalists, Agbakoba noted that the embattled senator had claimed she was sexually harassed by Akpabio on 8 December 2023, yet proceeded to go on social media the following day to eulogise the same Senate President.

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He specifically pointed out that the warm, celebratory tone and personal affection expressed in the public message the suspended senator posted a day after the alleged harassment presented a significant timeline contradiction that could not be overlooked.

“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan claims that she was sexually harassed by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on December 8, 2023.

“However, merely one day later, on December 9, 2023, she publicly posted favourable messages about the Senate President on both her Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts.

“In these posts, she eulogised the Senate President and spoke highly of the birthday event she attended in Uyo, Akwa Ibom,” Agbakoba stated.

According to him, “the juxtaposition of these two events, an alleged traumatic harassment, followed by voluntary public expressions of admiration requires careful consideration.”

The former NBA President also referenced previous allegations involving Reno Omokri and an unnamed minister, noting that although each allegation must be assessed independently, the suspended senator’s pattern of conduct required close scrutiny.

“Sexual harassment is a serious matter that deserves careful and fair consideration. We acknowledge the difficulty faced by anyone making such allegations and the importance of treating all parties with dignity.

“Our review of the available public records reveals significant contradictions that must be considered for a fair evaluation of the situation.

“We believe that proper institutional processes, rather than media forums provide the appropriate venue for addressing such serious matters,” Agbakoba said.

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