, Including Against Former NDDC Acting MD Nunieh, Says
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the 10th National Assembly, has said that Senate President Godswill Akpabio has a history of sexual harassment against women, citing the allegations made by Dr Joi Nunieh, the former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The accusation is contained in a sexual harassment petition she filed against Akpabio, which has kept her in the media spotlight for weeks.
Senator Natasha’s petition recalls Nunieh’s explosive 2020 allegations, in which she accused Akpabio, then Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, of making unwanted advances towards her.
Nunieh, who led the NDDC on an interim basis, publicly claimed that she had to physically resist Akpabio’s alleged harassment by slapping him.
Her allegations were widely covered by Nigerian media, with reports detailing how she slapped him to stop his advances.
The petition reads, “The Respondent has a documented history of similar misconduct towards women. A notable instance is the accusation by Dr. Joi Nunieh, the former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), who publicly accused the Respondent of sexual harassment in 2020.”
“She recounted an incident where she had to physically defend herself against his inappropriate advances,” the petition states.
“These allegations were widely reported in reputable media outlets, including Pulse Nigeria,” it continues.
“This pattern of behaviour demonstrates a blatant disregard for the rights and dignity of women, as well as an abuse of power.
“Such conduct is not only unethical but also criminal, warranting a thorough investigation and legal action,” Senator Natasha added.
Nunieh, who served as NDDC’s Acting MD in 2019, made her allegations in the wake of a public dispute with Akpabio over the commission’s operations.
She accused him of interfering in contract processes and attempting to manipulate the agency for his personal and political interests.
Following her accusations, security operatives attempted to arrest her at her Port Harcourt residence in an operation widely condemned as politically motivated.
Meanwhile, the Senate has suspended Natasha for six months following her sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Senate Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions had recommended a six-month suspension for Natasha over alleged violations of the Senate Standing Rules.