The sexual harassment allegation made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio reached a tense point last week, especially following a dramatic episode during the Senate Ethics Committee hearing.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The incident sparked public attention after Senator Nwaebonyi launched a verbal attack on former Education Minister, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, when she asked him to remain silent during the proceedings. In a related development, while Senator Natasha petitioned the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee to disbar Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee, a counteraction emerged from a group called Concerned Kogi Youths and Women, who submitted a petition seeking her recall from the Senate.

However, the petition to recall Senator Natasha suffered a major setback on Thursday, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rejected it, citing non-compliance with the stipulations of Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Amidst the rising tension, former beauty queen and actress, Regina Askia-Williams, actively followed developments online, prompting her fans to call for her personal stance on the matter. Caught between two identities—as a woman and as a proud daughter of Akwa Ibom State, the same state as Akpabio—many were curious about where her loyalty would lie.

Responding thoughtfully, Askia-Williams issued a nuanced statement:

“As a woman, a healthcare professional, and an indigene of Akwa Ibom, I feel compelled to speak clearly on the matter involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Sexual harassment is a serious offense. It must never be trivialized, politicized, or ignored. The dignity of women—especially the few representing the public in our legislative arm—must be protected. With just four women among 109 senators, their voices deserve to be respected.

At the same time, I take pride in Senator Akpabio’s rise to the office of Senate President. It’s a remarkable achievement for Akwa Ibom. However, leadership entails accountability. Allegations of this nature warrant due process, not public condemnation.

Ideally, this issue should have been resolved impartially through the Senate Ethics Committee. Given the familial closeness of the individuals involved, a more mature and early intervention could have maintained harmony and ensured justice without escalating conflict.”

Askia-Williams expressed concern that the matter soon devolved into general misconduct accusations, overshadowing the core allegation of sexual harassment. She further criticized the Senate’s six-month suspension of Senator Natasha, pointing out the negative impact such a decision has on constituents’ representation, income, and her office’s operations.

“Perhaps Senator Natasha hoped to initiate institutional reform by standing firm, despite the immense personal and political toll. Her courage and the opposition she faced highlight the broader challenges women encounter in politics—often reduced to pawns in greater power struggles.

We must ensure this moment doesn’t turn into another political game where justice is neglected and women’s voices are silenced. Due process should not be replaced by public outrage.”

She concluded with concrete recommendations:

1. Immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha to preserve her constituents’ representation.

2. A fair and thorough legal process to examine the sexual harassment claims.

3. Strengthened and enforced policies protecting women in politics and public service.

4. Preservation of Akpabio’s leadership, provided the allegations remain unproven and he is cleared of wrongdoing.

“Let us approach this with balanced judgment, emotional maturity, and a focus on justice over spectacle. We owe this to the generations of women coming after us, to our democratic institutions, and to the truth we all claim to uphold