BUSTED! Ex- NDDC Boss Drops Bombshell, Reveals How She Slapped Akpabio For Sexual Harassment
In July 2020, Joy Nunieh, then Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), alleged that she physically confronted Akpabio over claims of sexual harassment during his tenure as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. During a television interview, Nunieh recounted slapping him at his residence, asserting, ” He underestimated me. I am not swayed by promises or money. ” Akpabio rejected these accusations, attributing them to individuals opposing a forensic audit at the NDDC.
Meanwhile, a high- profile legal battle has emerged in Nigeria’ s Senate, as Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan of Kogi Central filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday. The case centers around allegations of defamation, with the senator accusing Akpabio of making derogatory statements about her that were subsequently shared on social media by one of his aides.
In her complaint, Akpoti- Uduaghan is demanding significant compensation, including N100 billion in damages and an additional N300 million to cover litigation expenses. This development follows a contentious reassignment of her seat within the Senate chamber, which sparked widespread attention. Initially seated in the minority section, she was abruptly moved to the last row without prior consultation or justification. When Akpoti- Uduaghan protested, her microphone was silenced, and the Senate President instructed the Sergeant- at- Arms to eject her from the session. However, the senator refused to comply, insisting on her constitutional right to voice her concerns.
Addressing her colleagues, Akpoti- Uduaghan expressed frustration over what she perceives as deliberate attempts to suppress her contributions to legislative discussions. She stated, ” Since the nightclub incident, you [Akpabio] have systematically silenced me and the voice of Kogi Central on this floor. You have denied me the opportunity to participate in motions. ” Despite threats of suspension, she vowed to remain steadfast, declaring, ” I will not be intimidated. Even if suspended, I will continue advocating for my people. ”
The senator also revealed enduring harassment since joining the Senate, explaining that she has personally financed all her international trips since 2024 after being excluded from externally sponsored events by the leadership. While she initially refrained from speaking out to avoid misinterpretation, the mounting pressure compelled her to take action. She emphasized, ” I have endured much but cannot stay silent any longer. Nigerians deserve to know how their leaders treat elected representatives. ”
This controversy adds to a string of disputes involving Akpabio and female colleagues. In December, Senator Ireti Kingibe from the Federal Capital Territory walked out of a session after Akpabio dismissed her motion concerning demolitions in Abuja.
