Nigerian Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has denied allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Speaking publicly on the matter for the first time, Akpabio addressed the allegations during the Senate’s plenary session on Wednesday, following a week-long recess.

“At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised very well by my late single mother, and I have always upheld respect for women. I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria,” he stated.

Akpabio acknowledged the widespread discussions on social media since February 25 and urged Nigerians, the media, and social media users to refrain from making premature judgments, emphasizing that the matter should be left for the courts to decide.

However, shortly after his remarks, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan invoked Order 40 to officially submit a petition against Akpabio, reiterating her claims of sexual harassment and abuse of office.

The Senate has since referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, directing the panel to review the case and report its findings promptly.