March 02, (THEWILL) – Women from the Niger Delta have condemned Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over her recent allegation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing it as an attempt to tarnish his reputation.
During an interview with Arise TV, Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, accused Akpabio of harassing her in the Senate chambers and subjecting her to victimization for rejecting his advances.
Reacting to the claim, women from Akwa Ibom and other Niger Delta states took to the streets of Uyo on Saturday in protest, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Respect our leaders, Natasha!”, “Ijaw women demand respect for our elders,” and “Stop embarrassing us, Natasha!”. They insisted that the allegation was an attempt to discredit Akpabio and vowed not to allow their “revered son” to be dragged into controversy.
Addressing the gathering, Grace Mathias from Essien Udim Local Government Area warned that Niger Delta women would not tolerate any form of disrespect toward Akpabio.
“We are here to tell Natasha to leave our son alone. If she continues with this, we will pray, and heaven will rise against her. Akpabio was raised in the ways of the Lord, and he does not disrespect women,” Mathias declared.
She added that if Akpoti-Uduaghan persisted in making allegations against Akpabio, the women would invoke divine punishment upon her.
“We, the women of Akwa Ibom and the Niger Delta, are making it clear that this should be the first and last time Natasha disrespects our son. In this region, we honor our men, and we will not stand by while anyone tries to bring shame upon them,” she said.
Another protester warned, “If we hear such allegations again, we will go on our knees and pray, and God Almighty will release His cane. No peace for those who seek to destroy our leaders.”
The protest underscores growing tensions over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims, with Niger Delta women rallying in defense of Akpabio while rejecting any attempts to tarnish his image.
