Akpabio’s Aide Accuses Senator Natasha of ₦30 Billion Budget Padding Amidst Sexual Harassment Allegations

Senate President’s Aide Dismisses Allegations, Demands Evidence

A fresh controversy has erupted in the Nigerian Senate as Jeff Onyema, Special Assistant to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has accused Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of padding the budget by ₦30 billion while serving as the Chairperson of the Local Content Committee. Onyema further claimed that the sexual harassment allegation made by the Kogi Central Senator against Akpabio was in retaliation for her removal from the committee.

Speaking during a pro-Akpabio protest in Abuja on Tuesday, Onyema insisted that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations were baseless and politically motivated. He alleged that the senator had attempted to negotiate her reinstatement in exchange for ending her conflict with the Senate President.

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Sexual Harassment Allegation Sparks Political Storm

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan recently accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim that has since sparked public debate. However, Onyema dismissed the allegations, stating that Akpabio has been a respected leader for over two decades, with no prior accusations of such nature.

“You can see the allegation that the woman gave to Senator Akpabio—there is no way to prove it,” Onyema told journalists. “Akpabio has been a man that we know for more than 20 years. He is a leader from the Niger Delta, a friend to women, mothers, and young ladies. Nobody has ever made such an accusation before.”

₦30 Billion Budget Padding Claim

Onyema further alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s removal from the Local Content Committee was due to her involvement in budget padding, stating that she added ₦30 billion to the committee’s budget. He claimed that the ongoing Senate crisis led to her removal and that she later sought to be reinstated through backdoor negotiations.

“You can see there was a phone call she made, stating that if they called her back to the Local Content Committee, the issue would just die,” Onyema alleged. “She has no proof to say that Akpabio molested her. Nigerians should look at the truth.”

Public Reaction and Akpabio’s Supporters Rally

The allegations and counter-allegations have divided public opinion. Onyema, speaking on behalf of Akpabio’s supporters, called on Nigerians, especially women, not to support Akpoti-Uduaghan unless she provides credible evidence to back her claims.

He further stated, “Please, I’m addressing women. They should stay straight like mothers. They should not support this woman unless she has something to offer. If she has evidence, let her present it to the public.”

The controversy continues to intensify, with Akpoti-Uduaghan yet to publicly respond to Onyema’s claims. Meanwhile, the Senate leadership crisis and the allegations of corruption and misconduct are expected to remain in the spotlight in the coming days.