Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Actress Kate Henshaw has shown support for Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following her allegation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Sharing a picture of Akpoti-Uduaghan on Instagram on Wednesday, Kate highlighted the challenges women face in society and leadership positions.
Celebrating Woman Crush Wednesday (WCW), she wrote, “We forget so readily how far we have come. We forget our lineage, our history, our strength. We are told we are weak, we are spineless, and cannot think.
“We accept the new role foisted on us, the subtle submission imposed by religion, by society, by tradition. They tell us we cannot govern, we cannot rule, we cannot make our own decisions. They tell us to shut up and sit down.
“Women like children are to be seen not heard. Do you not know that in nearly all species, the female is much more deadly than the male?
“We are the offspring of countless women-warriors!!”
In February 2025, tensions rose in the Senate when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested a change in her seating arrangement.
On February 20, 2025, she objected to the reassignment of her seat without her consent. Despite directives from Akpabio and the intervention of the Sergeant-at-Arms, she refused to vacate the seat, leading to a heated exchange.
She declared, “I don’t care if I am silenced, I am not afraid. You have denied me my privilege.”
Days later, she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging that he made unwanted advances toward her during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom State on December 8, 2023.
She claimed her refusal led to victimization within the Senate, including obstruction of her motions on corruption investigations at the Ajaokuta Steel Company.
On March 1, 2025, Ekaette Akpabio, wife of the Senate President, filed two defamation lawsuits against Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking N350 billion in damages.
She argued that the allegations caused emotional and psychological distress to her and her children.
The Senate, through spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu, stated on March 4, 2025, that it could not initiate a probe into the allegations without a formal petition from Akpoti-Uduaghan.