Natasha rejects Agbakoba’s proposal for out-of-court settlement, insists Akpabio “should subject himself to an investigation”
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
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“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” – Natasha
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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has rejected an out-of-court settlement proposed by Olisa Agbakoba SAN, counsel for Godswill Akpabio, in her sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President.
An out-of-court settlement is usually a legal tactic – particularly in Nigeria – to pay off one party to a dispute, bury the truth, and save the face of the one who pays; or save the face of the initiator of the settlement even if it does not involve financial payment.
Agbakoba on Tuesday at a press conference at his chambers in Apapa, Lagos pointed out what he described as inconsistencies in Natasha’s allegation, citing how she alleged that Akpabio sexually harassed her on 8 December 2023 in Uyo but posted “favourable messages” about Akpabio on her Instagram and X accounts the following day – which sound contradictory to her claim.
Agbakoba did not refer to, or try to find fault with, other alleged harassment incidents outside Uyo that Natasha listed in the petition she presented to the Senate and likely attached to her lawsuit.
In the petition, she alleged that Akpabio made sexual advances at her three times across two years – in his house in Uyo in 2023, in his house in Abuja in 2024, and in his Senate office in Abuja in 2024.
However, Agbakoba – who announced at the briefing that Akpabio has hired him as his lawyer in the case – only harped on the alleged harassment in Uyo.
Natasha has repeatedly said she has evidence of the incidents which she would present in the right place and at the right time.
At the press briefing, Agbakoba suggested a resolution in the case and also urged Natasha to substantiate her allegation.
She countered elsewhere that Akpabio should subject himself to an investigation.
Asked if she would accept to settle with Akpabio, she told The Nation: “Out-of-court settlement? To settle how? Who? What about how I felt? I don’t know how to explain it.
“To me, 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.”
Back at the press briefing, Agbakoba disclosed that he has written to Natasha as counsel for Akpabio to provide more proof as she has promised in media interviews.
He also said he “honestly wishes” that the matter is resolved without going to court, and has requested a meeting with her lawyers.
Agbakoba clarified that at this stage, Natasha is not to be believed or disbelieved, and she would need to clarify the difference between her behaviour between 8 and 9 December 2023.
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