Omokri’s reaction follows renewed public attention after Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio sexually harassed her. Omokri, who strongly rebutted her claims against Akpabio, cited her past behavior as evidence of a pattern of false accusations including a prior allegation against him.
However, in an interview published by an online platform on Saturday, Akpoti-Uduaghan denied ever accusing Omokri of sexual harassment.
“I have never accused anyone of sexual harassment apart from Senator Akpabio. I never accused Yahaya Bello or Reno Omokri,” she said.
She added that the incident being referenced stemmed from a Facebook exchange in 2019 or 2020, which, she claimed, was misinterpreted.
“It was simply a response to a post where he attacked someone close to me. That doesn’t amount to sexual harassment,” she explained.
"The Denial Is False" – Omokri Fires Back
In a detailed statement issued Sunday, Omokri rejected the senator’s explanation, insisting that she had indeed publicly accused him on October 12, 2021, first via a Facebook post and then through a video two days later.
“She accused me without provocation. These false claims were picked up by multiple media platforms. I am surprised but not shocked by her current denials,” he stated.
Omokri presented screenshots, media links, and YouTube videos to substantiate his claim that Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously made the allegations. He also recalled that she went further by accusing him of using his office during the Jonathan administration to secure contracts for girlfriends.
To counter her specific claim that he harassed her during a May 6, 2014 state banquet in honor of then-Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, Omokri said:
“I offered a $50,000 reward for any evidence of my presence at that event. I later published a British Airways first-class ticket and passport stamps proving I was in the United States at the time. Natasha lied.”
He noted that after presenting this evidence, Akpoti-Uduaghan deleted the accusations from her social media platforms but not before he had archived the content.
Private Settlement Alleged
Omokri revealed that he was preparing to sue for libel and defamation when a prominent Christian cleric and Mr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (who later married Natasha) intervened via a three-way call, pleading for an out-of-court resolution.
“They proposed a financial settlement, which was paid two days later. There is both electronic and paper documentation of the payment and the call,” Omokri stated.
He emphasized that he has never influenced contract awards for any woman and challenged Akpoti-Uduaghan to present contrary evidence if she possesses any.
“I am ready to testify under oath, anywhere in Nigeria or abroad to set the record straight. And if my claims are false, let Natasha sue me. I keep meticulous records and have preserved all evidence from that episode,” he said.
Background: Senator’s Suspension and Legal Fallout
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is currently under a six-month suspension from the Senate, following her public accusation against Senate President Akpabio. Her reinstatement is reportedly conditional on submitting a formal apology to the upper chamber.
The suspension and the controversy have triggered multiple lawsuits and intensified debates around harassment, due process, and political retaliation in Nigeria’s legislature.
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