A massive wave of protests erupted in Akwa Ibom as women from across the state rallied against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The women, marching through the streets of Uyo in their thousands, accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of attempting to destroy the reputation of one of Akwa Ibom’s most distinguished leaders.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Stop Defaming Akpabio,” “Respect Our Leaders,” and “No to False Accusations,” the protesters expressed their outrage at what they described as politically motivated claims. They chanted solidarity songs in support of Akpabio, calling on Natasha to retract her statements and face legal consequences for what they deemed a deliberate attack on the character of the Senate President.
Women’s Groups Demand Apology from Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Leaders of various women’s groups in Akwa Ibom addressed the protesters, demanding an immediate apology from Akpoti-Uduaghan. They described her accusations as an insult to Akwa Ibom women and an attempt to undermine the political progress of their state.
One of the leaders, Mrs. Ekaette Ekong, stated, “We will not sit back and watch our son, a leader we respect, be dragged through the mud by baseless accusations. Natasha must apologize or face the wrath of Nigerian women.” The protesters vowed to continue their demonstrations until Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly withdraws her allegations.
Unoma Akpabio Files ₦250 Billion Defamation Lawsuit
The protest comes in the wake of a staggering ₦250 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Unoma Akpabio, wife of the Senate President, against Akpoti-Uduaghan. In her suit, Mrs. Akpabio claims that the allegations have brought severe emotional distress and irreparable damage to her family’s reputation.
According to legal documents, Mrs. Akpabio is demanding not only monetary compensation but also a public apology and retraction of the claims. Her legal team has stated that the lawsuit will serve as a warning to individuals who seek to tarnish reputations for political or personal gain.
Akwa Ibom Women Vow to Stand with Akpabio Against Defamation
Many of the protesting women emphasized that their demonstration was not just about Akpabio but about protecting the integrity of Akwa Ibom’s political leadership. They accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of trying to manipulate public sentiment by fabricating false accusations.
One of the protesters, Madam Grace Ufot, stated, “Women should be respected, but that does not mean we should allow false claims to destroy good men. We know Akpabio; he has been a leader, a father figure, and a defender of women’s rights. These allegations are a cheap attempt at character assassination.”
Mixed Reactions as Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Stands Her Ground
Despite the backlash, Akpoti-Uduaghan has refused to back down, maintaining that she has evidence to support her claims. She insists that her accusations are not politically motivated and that she is prepared to face the legal battles ahead.
Her supporters argue that the protest by Akwa Ibom women is an attempt to silence women who speak up against harassment. However, Akpabio’s defenders believe that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions are part of a larger political agenda to discredit the Senate President.
Legal and Political Implications of the Controversy
The unfolding drama has sparked national debate, with legal experts analyzing the implications of the defamation lawsuit. Many believe that the case could set a precedent for how defamation and harassment allegations are handled in Nigeria, especially when they involve high-profile figures.
For now, the streets of Akwa Ibom remain charged with protests, and the women of the state have made their position clear: they stand with Akpabio and will not allow what they see as a smear campaign to go unchallenged. As legal battles loom, the controversy is set to reshape political discourse in Nigeria in the coming weeks.
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