Senator Nwebonyi Vows to Testify in Senate President Akpabio’s Harassment Case

Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, the Senate Deputy Chief Whip, has declared that he is a star witness in the sexual harassment allegations leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Nwebonyi confirmed that Akpabio, Natasha, and all involved parties would be required to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions (SCEPPP). He stated that Akpabio would testify before the committee, and all testimonies would be documented.

The controversy began when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central (PDP), accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her during a December 2023 visit to his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. She alleged that Akpabio held her hand, led her around the house, and made inappropriate advances even in the presence of her husband.

However, Nwebonyi dismissed the claim as an attempt to divert attention, asserting that the Senate was not disturbed by the accusation. He argued that prima facie evidence was required for any criminal prosecution and stated that if such evidence was lacking, there was no case.

“She knows quite alright that what she is saying is to divert attention, but we are not disturbed because we know the truth,” he said.

Backing his stance, he added: “On the alleged date of the incident, so many senators were there. I’m one of the star witnesses. I’ll come and tell the world what I saw.”

The case is expected to unfold further as the Senate committee reviews the allegations and gathers testimonies from key witnesses.