The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Wednesday formally submitted a petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of sexual harassment.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, speaking under Order 40 of the Senate Rules, told her colleagues that she had previously made the allegations during a television interview and was now officially presenting them before the Senate.

In response, Akpabio directed her to proceed with the submission, which she did.

The petition was immediately referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for review.

Earlier during plenary, Akpabio dismissed the allegations, insisting that he had never harassed any woman.

“At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised very well by my late single mother, and I have always upheld respect for women. I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria,” he said.

The Senate President, who acknowledged receiving multiple calls over the matter since February 25, said he was aware of the heated debates on social media.

He, however, urged Nigerians to refrain from making assumptions and allow the legal process to take its course.