There is what looks like a thin line between sexual harassment and flirting. More difficult is for the victim to prove the case of harassment in the court of law. For example, flirtatious advances people make may or may not amount to sexual harassment, depending on which side of the divides it comes from. If you call a girl “my love” and she says “stop it” and you repeat the same thing, it can and would pass for sexual harassment. But if a woman comes to kiss you from nowhere and you don’t complain about it, it would not be termed sexual harassment, even though the action of the second is worse than that of the first. As simple as asking a girl out repeatedly after getting a NO answer is sexual harassment. If she presses charges against you, it could stick, but the onus is on her to prove beyond reasonable doubt that you utter such sensual words. Again, if you tap a woman’s buttocks and she says “do it again baby,” it would not pass as sexual harassment, even though she had no prior knowledge of you carrying out such act. Again it may not be considered as sexual harassment if you hold the hand of a woman without resistance or complain from her. This could be the thin line that differentiates flirting from sexual Harassment, and it is called CONSENT. When a woman doesn’t give consent to your verbal and physical attempt (in a clear unambiguous manner), just know that you are treading on sexual Harassment path. However, it must be noted that sexual Harassment is not a one way traffic: women can also commit it in which men is the victim. But it’s the sexual Harassment against women that is more pronounced and even celebrated.
That Ramadan and Lent are being observed this year almost simultaneously points to the fact that there is no need for religious acrimony of any sort. Mankind comes from same source – God Almighty! It is not in the place of any man to choose whether to be both a Muslim or a Christian. That prerogative belongs to God. Here are a few beautiful reasons why Ramadan and Lent are vehicles for fostering harmonious coexistence. Ramadan and Lent encourage Muslims and Christians to respect each other’s traditions and practices, fostering a sense of mutual respect and understanding. The shared values and practices of Ramadan and Lent provide a platform for interfaith dialogue and exchange, helping to break down barriers and build bridges between communities. Both Ramadan and Lent emphasize the importance of empathy, compassion, and kindness towards others. By practicing these values, Muslims and Christians can build stronger, more harmonious relationships. Ramadan and Lent encourage individuals to reflect on their values, behaviours, and relationships, promoting personal growth and self-awareness. This, in turn, can lead to greater understanding and tolerance of others. Both Ramadan and Lent emphasize the importance of giving to those in need and serving the community. By working together on community service projects, Muslims and Christians can build stronger relationships and promote social cohesion. Ramadan and Lent highlight the shared values of compassion, forgiveness, and generosity that are common to both Islam and Christianity. By celebrating these shared values, Muslims and Christians can promote greater understanding and harmony. By learning about and participating in each other’s traditions and practices, Muslims and Christians can break down stereotypes and misconceptions, promoting greater understanding and respect. Ramadan and Lent promote a culture of peace, tolerance, and forgiveness, which is essential for harmonious coexistence. By embracing these values, Muslims and Christians can create a more peaceful and harmonious society. – James Oyewole is Executive Editor of The Graphic Newspaper and member, Governing Board, Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners (GIMP)
Nigerian human rights lawyer, Maxwell Opara has expressed doubt over Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. He raised concerns about the credibility of her claims, suggesting that inconsistencies in her account cast doubt on the seriousness of the accusations. In an interview on Arise TV, Opara challenged the senator’s narrative, particularly regarding how she handled the alleged incident. He questioned the timing of Senator Natasha’s allegation of sexual harassment against the Senate President, adding that it is curious why Senator Natasha did not bring up such serious allegations immediately after the incident if she genuinely believed she had been harassed. He said that delaying such claims and making them only at a later time could be perceived as an attempt to manipulate public sentiment rather than a genuine call for justice. He also questioned the plausibility of a senator, a wife, and a mother making such claims but initially withholding the information from her husband. According to him, the sequence of events she described did not align with what would be expected in such a situation. “I watched that program and I was taken back by what she said. An adult who is a senator, who is somebody’s wife and somebody’s mother, claimed a married man harassed her in the presence of her husband. When her husband asked her about what the Senate President said, she denied and she didn’t tell her husband.” Opara pointed out contradictions in her statements, urging viewers to review the available footage to verify her shifting account. He suggested that her explanation to her husband differed from the allegations she later made in public. This, he argued, raised concerns about whether the claim was entirely truthful or if key details had been altered. Senator Natasha had said in an Arise TV interview last week that the Senate President had taken her to a private room in one of his residences and implied they could spend time together there. This claim added another layer of controversy to the ongoing tensions between her and the Senate leadership. However, her allegations have been strongly disputed by those close to the Senate President. The Senate President’s wife, Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, has publicly dismissed the accusations, asserting that there was no opportunity for her husband to engage in such an encounter. She explained that on the day in question, he was preoccupied with his birthday celebration, leaving no time for any private discussions or interactions as alleged. With both sides presenting conflicting accounts, the situation remains a subject of intense debate and scrutiny.
Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s appeal for transparency and institutional protection is noted, but his attempt to draw a parallel between his own past case and the current false allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio is fundamentally flawed. The two situations are worlds apart in context, substance, and motivation. In Saraki’s case, the matter revolved around his official duties as Senate President—specifically, an accusation concerning the importation of an official vehicle. The claim was factually incorrect, and Saraki, knowing this, subjected himself to scrutiny to clear his name. It was an administrative and procedural issue directly tied to his office, and a swift resolution through the Senate Ethics Committee restored confidence in the institution. In contrast, what we have before us today is a case of personal, unsubstantiated, and conveniently timed accusations—claims of sexual harassment that supposedly took place over a year ago but surfaced only after the accuser was summoned for disciplinary action. There was no prior complaint, no record of distress, no mention to her husband, and no disclosure to female colleagues in the Senate. Instead, the accusation was unleashed only at the point of reckoning, in a desperate attempt to divert attention from legitimate disciplinary proceedings. If we take Saraki’s argument to its logical conclusion, we would be establishing a dangerous precedent—one where any gold digger or habitual liar can throw out an unsubstantiated allegation and expect the Senate to come to a halt while they are entertained. This is not just about Akpabio; it is about protecting the institution of the Senate from manipulation and blackmail. It is well known that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has a history of making reckless and false allegations of sexual harassment against prominent figures, including Reno Omokri, Dino Melaye, and Yahaya Bello. These accusations always follow the same pattern: wild claims, media noise, and no evidence. Now, the same strategy is being deployed against the Senate President, not because she is seeking justice, but because she is desperately avoiding accountability for her own actions. Even more telling is the fact that she never brought this complaint to the floor of the Senate—not even when she claimed that her motion on Ajaokuta Steel was ignored despite being listed on the Order Paper. If she truly believed that she was being victimized because of an alleged sexual harassment incident, the proper forum to raise such a grievance would have been the Senate itself. The Senate only responds to and investigates issues formally raised within its chambers, not in a television interview. If she believes that addressing her grievances on TV is more effective than following due process in the Senate, then kudos to her. However, as a Senator, she should know better. The Senate is moved by reason and laws, not sentiments and drama, and those who seek redress must engage the institution through its established procedures, not through media grandstanding. Furthermore, it is critical to note that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was appointed as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content on the 21st of November 2023 before the alleged sexual harassment incident in Ikot Ekpene. If she had truly been a victim, why would the Senate leadership, under the same Akpabio she now accuses, assign her such a critical leadership role? This glaring contradiction exposes her claims for what they truly are: a politically motivated and diversionary stunt. Saraki rightly speaks about protecting the Senate’s integrity, but true protection of the institution means ensuring that its processes are not hijacked by baseless, opportunistic claims. If Natasha has any real grievance about events that occurred outside the Senate, let her pursue those through the appropriate legal channels—not use the Red Chamber and the media as a stage for diversionary theatrics. Let Due Process Prevail! The correct course of action is clear: 1. Natasha should first answer to the Senate Ethics Committee for her misconduct. 2. If she believes she has a valid sexual harassment claim, she should file a case in the appropriate legal forum, not use the Senate and the media as a shield against accountability. 3. The Senate must resist the temptation to legitimize a distraction campaign designed to avoid legitimate scrutiny. Dr. Saraki’s appeal to precedent is misplaced. His case was about official duties and was addressed in a manner that reinforced institutional accountability. This case, however, is about a personal vendetta and a desperate attempt to escape disciplinary action. The Senate and Nigerians should not fall for this diversionary tactic. The Senate must stay focused, maintain order, and refuse to be blackmailed into legitimizing what is clearly an opportunistic and diversionary falsehood.
Onyekachi Peter Nwebonyi is the Senate Deputy Chief Whip.
The Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners (GIMP) has reminded Muslims of the spiritual qualities embedded in the annual month of self dental, called Ramadan Fasting that just began today, March 1. In a statement felicitating with Muslims on the commencement of the Fasting, the Vice President of the Guild, Muyiwa Akintunde, said that the month of Ramadan is meant to be a spiritual rejuvenation and for Muslims to embark on serious prayers for selves and the country. “We remind the Muslim Ummah of the essence of Ramadan which include prayer (salat), reflection, and community. This is also the month in which the Quran is said to have been revealed to the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him. Therefore, the annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. He hoped that Muslims would enjoy peaceful and spiritual season, praying that Almighty Allah should grant their supplications and give them the strength to carry through during the month of denial. Muyiwa Akintunde prayed that Ramadan would fill the lives of the Muslims with happiness, success, and prosperity. “As you observe fasting and engage in acts of worship, may Allah accept your prayers and grant us His mercy and forgiveness. Only recalled Nigeria joined the rest of the world in celebrating this year’s World Interfaith Harmony Week, with the theme: “Bridging Divides: Building a Shared Future Through Interfaith Dialogue.” The theme speaks to the primary objective of Guild, which is to sensitise Nigerian media practitioners towards the promotion of inter-religious conversations in their reportage and in every way they could. The Guild aimed at encouraging media professionals to place on the front burner, contents that emphasise tolerance, peace, harmony and which advance the fine ethics of journalism practice. The Guild’s President, Abdulmaleek Abdulkareem had , cautioned: “We must not forget the social responsibility requirements of the media.” The Guild preaches more education in the direction of Muslim-Christian relationships, and a return to the era when religious tolerance and harmony was the message in the mouths of leaders of both faiths, and also carried in practice.
Mrs. Ekaette Unoma, wife of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has filed a lawsuit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, demanding N250 billion in general damages and an unconditional apology over sexual harassment allegations leveled against her husband. Ekaette Unoma filed the fundamental rights suit No: CV/814/25, under Section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Article 4 & 5 of The African Charter on Human And Peoples Rights (Ratification And Enforcement Act) Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. She sought the following: “A DECLARATION that the allegations made by the Respondent on the floor of the Senate on the 20th of February 2025 and subsequent scandalous and salacious allegations on Arise News TV by the Respondent, constitute a flagrant violation of the fundamental rights of the Applicant guaranteed under Section 34(1) (A) of The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), Article 4 & 5 of The African Charter on Human And Peoples Rights (Ratification And Enforcement Act) Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and Section 14 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015. “AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the Respondent from making further inciteful, scandalous, and spiteful statements that have caused the Applicant and her children emotional and psychological abuse and living under constant threat and fear of their lives. “AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the Respondent, whether by themselves, their agents, privies, or whosoever from further inciteful, scandalous, and spiteful statements that have caused the Applicant and her children emotional and psychological abuse and living under constant threat and fear of their lives or in any other manner infringing on their fundamental rights. “AN ORDER awarding the sum of N250,000,000,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Billion Naira only) as exemplary, punitive, aggravated and general damages against the Respondent for her infringement of the fundamental rights of the Applicant alongside such further or other Orders as this Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstance.” In a separate defamation lawsuit (Suit No: CV/816/25), Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio seeks: “A DECLARATION that the Defendant’s act of claiming on national television, that the Claimant’s husband, who is the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria made sexual advances at her, without any proof of same, has damaged the reputation of the Claimant and indeed her entire family, bringing them into disrepute and opprobrium. “AN ORDER OF THIS HONOURABLE COURT mandating the Defendant to issue a formal written retraction of the defamatory words and tender an unconditional apology to the Claimant and her family, to be published in 2 (two) nationally-read newspapers to wit: The Guardian and This Day Newspapers. “AN ORDER OF THIS HONOURABLE COURT compelling the Defendant to pay to the Claimant the sum of N1,000,000,000.00 (One Billion Naira only) as punitive and exemplary damages for the ruinous effect of the Defendant’s defamatory words on the Claimant’s family’s reputation. “AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the Defendant from further uttering any defamatory words or causing to be uttered or spread, any defamatory words against the reputation of the Claimant’s family.” Senator Natasha had, during an interview on Arise TV on February 28, alleged that Senator Akpabio made inappropriate sensual advances towards her during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom. The Kogi Central senator claimed that the encounter occurred on December 8, 2023, just a day before her birthday. She alleged that her trouble in the Senate began after she rejected sexual advances from Akpabio.
Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Constitution Review Committee, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has said that in carrying out its assignment, the committee would engage widely and consult with the founding fathers of the party, ahead of the 2027 general elections. He declared: “we shall be in consultation with founding fathers of the party. Those who drafted the constitution of the party, we are going to be consulting them, because we know, it takes wisdom to produce a party constitution. “We cannot discard their wisdom and create something different. We will consult them. “The assignment of the committee is to strengthen and further widen the scope of operations and for proper inclusion. It is all about inclusivity. We don’t want to exclude people, we want to include people. That means we want to have a document that will strengthen the party and prepare it for the 2027 election. “It is about all about inclusivity. We are going to work on that and by the grace of God, we are sure, God will guide us and see us through to deliver on the work as expected of us.” Speaking to newsmen today, February 28, in Abuja, Buni further assured that the committee’s recommendations would strengthen the fortunes of the party in the 2027 general elections. Justifying the setting up of the committee, Buni, a one time National Caretaker Committee chairman of the party, said that for the ruling party to remain relevant, the need to periodically review its operations and activities informed the formation of the committee. “As the leading political party in Africa that wants to continue to be relevant, we must not be static hence the constitution of a committee like this with mandate to strengthen the party. “Development is about continuous improvement, and of course laws are made for men, men are not made for laws. So, laws can always be adjusted to accommodate the interest of the party and members of the party.” The seven-man committee was set up by the APC second highest decision making organ, National Executive Committee (NEC) at its 13th meeting at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja last week Wednesday. Other members of the committee include Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele – South West; Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba – South South; Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari – North West; Prof. Babagana Umar Zulum – North East; Gov. Abdullahi Sule – North Central and a representative of South East. APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje mandated them to take an holistic look at the party’s constitution with a view to recommending the review of the membership of NEC and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, to accommodate the population, strength and spread of the party. The committee is to recommend to the NEC possible amendments to the party’s constitution for further inclusivity, participation and involvement ahead of the non-elective national convention slated for 2026.
The authorities of the Saudi Arabia has announced the sighting of the Crescent of the moon to herald the beginning of Ramadan Fasting tomorrow, March 1. In a terse message posted online today, February 28, the authorities said the new moon has been sighted. This came even as the Sultan of Sokoto, Nigeria, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar III also called on Muslims across the country to look for the crescent of Ramadan today evening. A message from the Sultanate listed a number of Islamic scholars to be contacted if the crescent is sighted for final announcement of the beginning of the Fasting. The statement said that if the crescent is not signed today, Fasting will begin on Sunday, March 2.
Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, wife of the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has dismissed allegations of sexual harassment leveled against her husband describing it as a figment of wild imagination. Reacting to the revelation in a Arise Television programme today, February 28, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Udusghan, representing Kogi State Central Senatorial District that the Senate President made sensual advances to her, Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio made it known that she would seek legal redress on the matter. According to her, the allegation against her husband are unfounded. She said that she was present at her family residence on the date, 8th December, 2023 and witnessed what happened all through. She recounted the cordial relationship that existed between her family and Senator Natasha’s family, saying that both families enjoyed a long-standing cordial relationship that predated Senator Natasha’s marriage to her husband. Mrs. Akpabio praised her husband’s discipline as a man who loves and respects his family, citing his track record of supporting women’s inclusion in government even before his emergence as Senate President. Mrs. Akpabio advised women to desist from peddling such false allegations when the going is no longer favourable to them
Kogi State Central Senatorial District has thrown its support for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Udusghan in the ongoing brouhaha, between her and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. The umbrella sociocultural body of the area, Ebira People’s Association (EPA), in a statement today, February 28, by its President, Dr. Godwin Oyibo said that they, whom she’s representing in the Senate, are solidly behind her. “It is imperative at this point to reiterate the support of Kogi Central Senatorial District to the distinguished Senator, Barrister Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan and to express our confidence in her representation at the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “She has so far impressed Kogi Central in her legislative roles and we demand that she should not be persecuted for whatever reason.” The Association warned those who are imputing ethnic colouration to the faceoff that could be resolved within the senators themselves to desist forthwith. “We take special note of the developments from the infamous “nightclub” comment, followed by her sudden removal as the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Contents, to the abrupt removal from her seat which turn out to have some punitive undertone given the ensuing fireworks in social and conventional media. “EPA wishes to put on record that its silence all these while has not been out of indifference, as the association believes that the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which membership are distinguished Nigerians are capable of solving such internal dispute taking cognizance of rights,privileges and dignity of all senators, irrespective of tribe, gender or party affiliation. “It recalled that recent development where tribal organizations are now protesting on behalf of a party in the internal issue of the Senate automatically triggered the concern of the constituency of Senator Natasha. “We therefore call on the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to rise up to the occasion so as to checkmate those with sinister motives who could perpetrate the culture of gangsterism, harassment and intimidation in an issue which once occurred in the past and was resolved amicably by the 8th Senate. “We are watching keenly every activity, utterances, and conducts of some individuals, groups, and other stakeholders, even before the commencement of the sitting of the Ethics and Privileges Committee of the Senate. We are taking notes of all these and will respond at the appropriate time.”
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Need To Protect Senate From Political Manipulation And Stop Rewarding Falsehood, By Senator Onyekachi Peter Nwebonyi
Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s appeal for transparency and institutional protection is noted, but his attempt to draw a parallel between his own past case and the current false allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio is fundamentally flawed. The two situations are worlds apart in context, substance, and motivation.
In Saraki’s case, the matter revolved around his official duties as Senate President—specifically, an accusation concerning the importation of an official vehicle. The claim was factually incorrect, and Saraki, knowing this, subjected himself to scrutiny to clear his name. It was an administrative and procedural issue directly tied to his office, and a swift resolution through the Senate Ethics Committee restored confidence in the institution.
In contrast, what we have before us today is a case of personal, unsubstantiated, and conveniently timed accusations—claims of sexual harassment that supposedly took place over a year ago but surfaced only after the accuser was summoned for disciplinary action. There was no prior complaint, no record of distress, no mention to her husband, and no disclosure to female colleagues in the Senate. Instead, the accusation was unleashed only at the point of reckoning, in a desperate attempt to divert attention from legitimate disciplinary proceedings.
If we take Saraki’s argument to its logical conclusion, we would be establishing a dangerous precedent—one where any gold digger or habitual liar can throw out an unsubstantiated allegation and expect the Senate to come to a halt while they are entertained. This is not just about Akpabio; it is about protecting the institution of the Senate from manipulation and blackmail.
It is well known that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has a history of making reckless and false allegations of sexual harassment against prominent figures, including Reno Omokri, Dino Melaye, and Yahaya Bello. These accusations always follow the same pattern: wild claims, media noise, and no evidence. Now, the same strategy is being deployed against the Senate President, not because she is seeking justice, but because she is desperately avoiding accountability for her own actions.
Even more telling is the fact that she never brought this complaint to the floor of the Senate—not even when she claimed that her motion on Ajaokuta Steel was ignored despite being listed on the Order Paper. If she truly believed that she was being victimized because of an alleged sexual harassment incident, the proper forum to raise such a grievance would have been the Senate itself. The Senate only responds to and investigates issues formally raised within its chambers, not in a television interview. If she believes that addressing her grievances on TV is more effective than following due process in the Senate, then kudos to her. However, as a Senator, she should know better. The Senate is moved by reason and laws, not sentiments and drama, and those who seek redress must engage the institution through its established procedures, not through media grandstanding.
Furthermore, it is critical to note that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was appointed as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content on the 21st of November 2023 before the alleged sexual harassment incident in Ikot Ekpene. If she had truly been a victim, why would the Senate leadership, under the same Akpabio she now accuses, assign her such a critical leadership role? This glaring contradiction exposes her claims for what they truly are: a politically motivated and diversionary stunt.
Saraki rightly speaks about protecting the Senate’s integrity, but true protection of the institution means ensuring that its processes are not hijacked by baseless, opportunistic claims. If Natasha has any real grievance about events that occurred outside the Senate, let her pursue those through the appropriate legal channels—not use the Red Chamber and the media as a stage for diversionary theatrics.
Let Due Process Prevail!
The correct course of action is clear:
1. Natasha should first answer to the Senate Ethics Committee for her misconduct.
2. If she believes she has a valid sexual harassment claim, she should file a case in the appropriate legal forum, not use the Senate and the media as a shield against accountability.
3. The Senate must resist the temptation to legitimize a distraction campaign designed to avoid legitimate scrutiny.
Dr. Saraki’s appeal to precedent is misplaced. His case was about official duties and was addressed in a manner that reinforced institutional accountability. This case, however, is about a personal vendetta and a desperate attempt to escape disciplinary action.
The Senate and Nigerians should not fall for this diversionary tactic. The Senate must stay focused, maintain order, and refuse to be blackmailed into legitimizing what is clearly an opportunistic and diversionary falsehood.
Onyekachi Peter Nwebonyi is the Senate Deputy Chief Whip.