Sexual Harassment Scandal: You’re such a big shame – Nigerians fire Senator Ita Giwa over her defence for Akpabio

Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central District in the 10th Assembly, recently accused Akpabio, a former Akwa Ibom State Governor, of targeting her because she rejected his sexual advances.

This accusation stemmed from an altercation between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio over a seating arrangement in the Senate last week.

Natasha, who refused to vacate her seat, later raised her hand to speak under Order 10 but was denied recognition because she was not in her newly assigned seat. This led to a heated exchange of words between the two lawmakers, with Akpoti-Uduaghan accusing Akpabio of denying her privilege.

In an attempt to clarify her stance, Natasha accused Akpabio of sexual harassment during an interview on Arise TV on Friday, February 28, 2025.

Although Akpabio has not addressed the allegation, his wife, Unoma, dismissed the accusation and filed a defamation lawsuit against Natasha, demanding an apology.

In response to Natasha’s claim about the seating arrangement, Senator Ireti Kinigbe, representing the Federal Capital Territory in the Senate, criticized her colleague Akpoti for disobeying Senate rules.

However, this comment did not sit well with Nigerians on social media, who viewed it as a subtle endorsement of the Senate President.

During an interview on Arise TV on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Senator Ita Giwa, representing the Cross River South Senatorial District, defended Akpabio, stating, “Once you contest an election and get to the Senate, you have passed that level of sexual harassment because we are all equal in the Senate.”

Senator Giwa further said, “It is a sign of weakness, as a female, to come out and accuse a man of making passes at you, at that level.”

Her remarks sparked outrage among Nigerians, who described her comments as shameful and criticized her for defending Akpabio.

Here are some reactions below.

@BJCares: Florence Ita Giwa displaying some house-girl thinking/mentality on
@ARISEtv

@SeyiAjisafe: The Natasha case underscores the idea that women can sometimes be their own worst critics. It’s disheartening that many of her critics are women. Senator Ita Giwa’s suggestion that Natasha should appear unapproachable to prevent sexual harassment is particularly embarrassing.

@IbNaijapikin: What nonsense was Senator Ita Giwa saying? On
@ARISEtv
First of all call Senator Natasha a girl and then say girls have to be confident to avoid sexual harassment.

@Osadeba_amen: Who carry this Iye Senator Ita Giwa go Arise TV? she is completely out of tune with reality

@Diane98842846: Truly there is something terrible @OfficialAPCNg does to people. You immediately loose all your regard you earned over the years once you join that party. Just because Senator Florence Ita Giwa wants to support Senator Akpabio she is talking absolutely nonsense on @ARISEtv

@blackorch1: Hmmmmmm, senator Ita giwa, we, women are watching and very disappointed with ur interview @arise tv. Is a show of shame

@Heir_2D_Throne: A woman was sexually assaulted rather than address the allegations, Sen Ita Giwa is blaming Sen Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The older generation are filled with unserious persons

@casmiradiepena: Senator Florence Ita Giwa just said it’s not possible for women in the senate to be sexually assaulted on national TV.

@ProNigeria1: Ita Giwa live on @ARISEtv defended Akpabio & spoke against
@NatashaAkpoti, claiming women who win Senate seats can’t be harassed because elections are tough. This RECKLESS NARRATIVE must be rejected! Harassment isn’t about status, it’s about power & abuse. Silence fuels impunity!