Powerful Headline:
“Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Rejects Akpabio’s Out-of-Court Settlement in Sexual Harassment Case: Demands Justice, Not Silence”
April 16, 2025 | Abuja, Nigeria —
In a dramatic escalation of one of Nigeria’s most closely watched political controversies, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly, has rejected an out-of-court settlement proposal offered by the legal team of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, following her public accusation of sexual harassment.
The proposal, presented by respected senior advocate Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) on behalf of Akpabio, was turned down by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who said the issue at hand was too serious to be resolved behind closed doors. Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Nation, she reaffirmed her resolve to pursue justice through the courts.
“An out-of-court settlement? Settle what, exactly? What about how I felt?” she asked. “This isn’t just about me. It’s about every woman who has suffered in silence. I will not be silenced or intimidated.”
Standing Up Against Injustice
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision to reject the private settlement offer has sent ripples through Nigeria’s political landscape, placing the spotlight on sexual harassment in high offices. She described her stance as a matter of principle, not personal vengeance, emphasizing that her goal is to hold public figures accountable and ensure women’s voices are heard.
“This is about justice, not compromise,” she stated firmly. “I am standing up not only for myself but for the dignity of women in this country. If we don’t speak up, who will?”
Her statement was widely circulated across social media platforms, garnering support from activists, civil society groups, and members of the public who believe her courage could spark long-overdue reform in how harassment cases are addressed in political spheres.
Akpabio’s Legal Team Questions Validity of Claims
On the other side of the legal aisle, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) challenged the veracity of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims. In his official response, Agbakoba pointed to what he called inconsistencies in her narrative.
“The Senator made these allegations on December 8, 2023, yet celebrated Akpabio publicly at his birthday event on December 9 via social media posts,” he noted. “This contradiction needs to be scrutinized objectively.”
While Agbakoba acknowledged that sexual harassment takes multiple forms—verbal, psychological, or physical—he stressed that concrete evidence must support any formal accusation to avoid misuse of sensitive claims for political purposes.
“These are serious allegations that must not be weaponized. Let’s follow due process, and let the facts speak for themselves,” he added.
Public Reactions and Political Implications
The standoff between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio has raised broader questions about accountability, transparency, and the culture of silence surrounding harassment in Nigeria’s political institutions. With increasing scrutiny from the media and public alike, this case could set a historic precedent for how such allegations are handled moving forward.
Political analysts say the case is more than a personal dispute—it is a test of the Tinubu administration’s stance on justice, gender rights, and ethical governance.
Akpoti-Uduaghan didn’t shy away from this context either. She directly criticized what she described as the tone-deafness of Akpabio’s response and called for a full investigation.
“If Akpabio has nothing to hide, why not submit to a proper inquiry?” she asked.
A Defining Moment for Gender Justice in Nigeria
As this legal battle unfolds, it has the potential to reshape Nigeria’s approach to gender-based misconduct in government. Advocates across the country are urging for comprehensive policy reforms to protect women in politics, workplaces, and beyond.
The Senator’s refusal to accept a private resolution marks a bold declaration of defiance in the face of potential political pressure. Whether or not her claims hold up in court, she has already forced a national conversation about the rights of women and the responsibilities of public officials.
Conclusion: Justice Over Silence
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rejection of the out-of-court proposal sends a powerful message: sexual harassment allegations deserve transparency and due process, regardless of the office held by the accused. As both legal and public scrutiny intensify, Nigerians—and the world—will be watching how justice unfolds.
Stay tuned to Gists9ja for continued updates on this developing story and other breaking news in Nigeria.
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