Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the senate on March 6 for “gross misconduct and unruly behaviour” over her seating arrangement altercation with the senate president.
Her suspension came a day after she submitted a sexual harassment petition against Akpabio on the floor of the senate.
In an interview with the BBC, Akpoti-Uduaghan restated that the “gross misconduct” premise for her suspension was a smokescreen to silence her.
She said Akpabio frequently made sexual advances towards her in and out of the senate chamber – and sometimes before other senators.
She alleged that Akpabio would “squeeze my hands in a very suggestive way”.
“There was a time I forgot to wear my ring because I rushed to work. And there were about five senators there.
And Akpabio said ‘oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring… is this an invitation to treat?” she said.
“There was another time he made a statement like
‘Natasha, your husband is really enjoying. It looks like you’d be able to make good movements with your waist’.
He makes such sexist statements. And then they (other senators) all laughed.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan broke down in tears when the interviewer asked what impact her victim shaming and intimidation claims have had on her.
“I just want a place where I would just work. I thought the worst was over, but I guess for a woman, it’s never really over, right?”
