By Asuquo Cletus
Hundreds of women from Akwa Ibom State took to the streets in protest against allegations of sexual harassment levelled by the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The demonstrators, who marched through the Plaza area in Uyo on Saturday, wielded placards and banners denouncing Natasha’s claims as “baseless” and “malicious,” asserting that they were calculated attempts to besmirch Akpabio’s reputation and undermine his authority as the nation’s number three citizen.
The women further accused Natasha of orchestrating a distraction to derail Akpabio from his senatorial responsibilities and subvert his endeavours towards the advancement of Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Glory Udo, a women’s leader from Essien Udim Local Government Area, declared that the women of Akwa Ibom would not condone any form of “disrespectful behaviour” against their revered leaders.
“We want Natasha to desist from targeting our son. If she dares to repeat this affront, we shall kneel in fervent supplication, and heaven itself shall rise against her. She must cease meddling with our son, who has been nurtured in the ways of the Lord.
“Our son does not disrespect women. Stop harassing and defaming him; he is precious to us.
“We, the women of Akwa Ibom, unequivocally declare that this must be the first and last instance of such blatant disrespect towards our son.
“We stand here today to inform you, Natasha, that our son is dear to us. In our land, we uphold respect for our men, and we will not tolerate any disparagement. Enough is enough.
“If we hear of this again, we shall go down on our knees and call upon divine retribution. The Almighty will wield His rod, and that rod shall strike.
“There shall be no peace for the wicked. For plotting evil against our son, the evil shall return to you, for your machinations to tarnish his name shall fail.”
The rift between Natasha and Akpabio erupted following a Senate seat reassignment, which Natasha opposed, resulting in a public confrontation between both lawmakers.
Shortly after, Akpabio’s media aide, Mfon Patrick, published a Facebook post insinuating that Natasha perceived legislative office as a mere platform for “pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers.”
In retaliation, Natasha instituted a defamation lawsuit against Akpabio, demanding N100 billion in general damages and N300 million in legal costs.
Furthermore, in a recent interview, Natasha alleged that Akpabio had made inappropriate advances towards her during a visit to his country home in Akwa Ibom.
In response, Akpabio’s wife, Mrs Unoma Akpabio, initiated a N251 billion defamation lawsuit against Natasha, condemning the accusations as “libellous” and “malicious.”
