Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has firmly rejected a proposal for an out-of-court settlement put forward by legal luminary Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), counsel to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in the ongoing dispute between the two.
Dr. Agbakoba suggested resolving the matter amicably and urged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to substantiate her allegations against Akpabio with concrete evidence. However, the Kogi Central lawmaker insisted that Akpabio should face a formal investigation instead.
Asked if she would consider settling the dispute out of court, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan told The Nation:
“Out-of-court settlement? To settle how? Who? What about how I felt? I don’t know how to explain it. To me, I am not looking for an out-of-court settlement—for now, it is out of the question.
“I am not considering an out-of-court settlement because no one should suffer intimidation just for speaking her truth. This is not about a settlement; it is about justice. It is very painful to be subjected to so much.
“I want the Senate President to submit himself to an investigation. Besides, Akpabio is damaging the image of the President. His actions send a negative signal about President Tinubu’s government.”
Dr. Agbakoba, speaking to reporters in Lagos, emphasized that the allegations currently lack substantial evidence. He called on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to present more proof, as she had previously indicated she would do in media interviews.
He said:
“We request Senator Natasha to provide further particulars and evidence to support her allegations against the Senate President. The claim as it stands falls short of the threshold required to prove sexual harassment anywhere in the world.”
Agbakoba, who accepted the brief to represent Akpabio in a conciliatory spirit, added that he “honestly wishes” the matter could be resolved without resorting to court proceedings. He also revealed that he had requested a meeting with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team.
Clarifying his position, Agbakoba stressed that at this stage, the Senator’s claims should neither be accepted nor dismissed outright. He called for clarity concerning her reported behaviour between December 8 and 9, 2023.
The SAN described sexual harassment as a serious issue demanding careful and fair evaluation, recognizing the difficulties faced by those making such allegations and the need to treat all parties with dignity.
However, he noted that public records reveal significant contradictions that merit consideration for a fair assessment. He emphasized that serious matters like these should be addressed through proper institutional channels rather than media platforms.
Agbakoba underscored the importance of upholding justice and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, saying:
“While we support a society where individuals feel safe to speak up, allegations must be scrutinized with diligence and care to prevent their use as tools for vendetta.”
He expressed surprise that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had not yet submitted the material evidence she promised, calling it unusual given the international attention her allegations have attracted.
Highlighting contradictions in the Senator’s statements and actions, Agbakoba pointed out that although she alleged sexual harassment on December 8—the day of her birthday and Akpabio’s—she publicly praised Akpabio on December 9 on Instagram, including commendations of his birthday event in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
He stated:
“The timeline is contradictory. On one hand, she alleges harassment on December 8, yet on the next day, she praised Senator Akpabio. This juxtaposition of an alleged traumatic event followed by a public expression of admiration requires careful consideration.”
Agbakoba acknowledged the broad and sometimes ambiguous nature of sexual harassment, which can be verbal or behavioral, but doubted any physical act occurred between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio.
Responding to critics, Akpabio himself remarked that “98 percent of what you see on social media is not court-useable,” urging caution and restraint.
— The Nation
