The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has called on the Federal Government to thoroughly investigate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
This demand follows the recent decision by the Senate to lift Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension.
Afenifere stressed that the end of her suspension should not overshadow the need to uncover the truth behind her accusations.
In a statement released on Thursday, Afenifere’s National Organising Secretary, Kole Omololu, praised the Senate leadership for upholding the rule of law in recalling the senator.
“We commend Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Senate leadership for reinforcing the country’s commitment to the rule of law,” Omololu stated.
However, the group insisted that the senator’s serious allegations must not be overlooked.
“For over six months, where is the evidence supporting her grave claims?” Omololu questioned.
Afenifere urged relevant authorities including the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
The group also referenced Natasha’s previous unproven sexual harassment claim against former presidential aide Reno Omokri, which was eventually settled out of court.
“Does this history not cast doubt on her current allegations against Akpabio?” Omololu asked.
Afenifere further criticised Akpoti-Uduaghan for publicising her claims via international media outlets such as BBC, CNN, Sky News, and Deutsche Welle, arguing that this damaged Nigeria’s image abroad.
The group also questioned her attendance at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) session in New York, suggesting that if she participated without proper nomination, it would reflect poorly on the integrity of Nigerian public institutions.
“If Natasha attended the IPU meeting without official nomination, it exposes manipulation of public offices for personal gain,” the statement added.
In March 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months following a confrontation in the Senate and her sexual harassment petition against Akpabio.
She alleged the incident occurred in December 2023, but the Senate Ethics Committee dismissed her complaint on procedural grounds.
Despite a court order restraining disciplinary actions, the Senate proceeded with her suspension, which included freezing her salary and barring her from official functions.
Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged the suspension in court, maintaining it was a retaliation for her allegations.
While the Senate cited misconduct as the reason for the suspension, the case gained international attention due to her media interviews abroad.
The issue remains unresolved, with Afenifere now urging federal agencies to investigate the claims.
Meanwhile, DAILY GAZETTE reports that Natasha resumed her duties at the National Assembly on October 7, 2025, immediately describing Akpabio as a dictator.
