•Natasha and Akpabio
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan yesterday rejected an out-of-court settlement proposed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio through his counsel, legal luminary Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN).
Agbakoba had suggested a resolution in the case by Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio, reports The Nation.
He also urged her to substantiate her allegations.
But the Kogi Central Senator rejected the idea, insisting that Akpabio should subject himself to an investigation.
Asked if she would accept to settle with Akpabio, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan told our correspondent: “Out-of-court settlement? To settle how? Who? What about how I felt? I don’t know how to explain it.
“To me, I am not looking for an out-of-court settlement. I don’t think I’m looking for an out-of-court settlement for today. As of now, an out-of-court settlement is out of it.
“I am not considering an out-of-court settlement because nobody has to suffer this amount of intimidation just because she is speaking out her truth.
“They should have investigated it. It is not about settlement, it is about justice. It is very painful that you subject somebody to so much.
“I am not looking forward to an out-of-court settlement. He should subject himself to an investigation.
“Besides, Akpabio is denting the image of the president. Akpabio’s actions are sending a negative signal on President Tinubu’s government.”
Agbakoba urged the senator to tender more proof as she had promised to do in her media interviews.
He reported in Lagos that the allegations were hanging without substantial evidence.
He said: “We request Senator Natasha to provide more evidence, particularly in furtherance to the fact that she previously stated she reserves the right to provide further particulars and evidence to support the allegations against the Senate President.
“We feel like the allegation as it currently stands falls short of the threshold for proving sexual harassment anywhere in the world.”
Agbakoba, who had written to Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan as counsel for Akpabio to supply more proof, said he accepted the brief in a conciliatory manner.
He also “honestly wishes” that the matter is resolved without going to court, adding that he had requested a meeting with Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers.
Agbakoba clarified that at this stage, the Senator is not to be believed or disbelieved, stressing that she would need to clarify the difference between her behaviour between December 8 and 9, 2023.
The SAN described sexual harassment as a serious matter that deserves careful and fair consideration, adding that the difficulty faced by anyone making the allegation and the importance of treating all parties with dignity should be acknowledged.
However, the senior lawyer said the review of the available public records revealed significant contradictions that must be considered for a fair evaluation of the situation.
According to him, proper institutional processes, rather than media forums, should provide an appropriate venue for addressing serious matters.
Agbakoba insisted that while he supports a society where individuals feel safe to speak up, the principles of justice that require evidence and fairness should be upheld.
He stressed: “Allegations, however serious, must be scrutinised with diligence and care to avoid situations where they are being weaponised for vendetta.
“Our legal system is built on the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, and this fundamental principle must be respected, even in sensitive cases.”
Noting that Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan had said she would submit material evidence and present further particulars and facts, he expressed surprise that she had withheld the evidence.
The former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president said this is unusual.
Agbakoba noted that Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s local and international engagements have highlighted the global attention her allegations have garnered in the past weeks.
Emphasising the contradictions between her claims and subsequent behaviour, he said Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan who made a serious allegation turned to her Instagram to also eulogise Akpabio and spoke highly of the birthday event she attended in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
He pointed out that while Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that sexual harassment occurred on December 8, which was her birthday and that of Akpabio, she praised the Senate President on December 9.
The lawyer stressed: “The timeline and dates are so contradictory. On one hand, you complained about sexual harassment on December 8, 2023.
“Yet, on the other, you praised Senator Akpabio who you allege sexually harassed you on December 9, 2023.
“The juxtaposition of these two events, an alleged traumatic harassment followed by voluntary, public expression of admiration requires careful consideration.”
Agbakoba acknowledged that there is no defined or definite description of harassment, saying that it could be in words or behaviour.
He doubted any absolute physical act in respect of Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio.
Urging critics to do away with unguarded emotion, Akpabio said had “98 per cent of what you see on social media is not court-useable.”
