Veteran Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has publicly backed Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
On Wednesday, Kate took to Instagram to share a photo of Akpoti-Uduaghan while reflecting on the struggles of women in society and leadership.
Kate Henshaw’s Statement
In her Woman Crush Wednesday (WCW) post, Kate highlighted the systemic oppression women face, stating:
“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.
“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.”
She further emphasized that women come from a lineage of warriors and should not be silenced.
The Allegations Against Akpabio
Tensions in the Nigerian Senate escalated in February 2025 after Akpoti-Uduaghan protested a change in her seat assignment, which she claimed was done without her consent.
On February 20, she refused to vacate the seat despite orders from Senate President Akpabio and intervention from the Sergeant-at-Arms.
Days later, she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging that he made unwanted advances toward her during a December 8, 2023, visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom State.
According to her, her refusal to comply led to retaliation, including obstruction of her motions on corruption investigations at the Ajaokuta Steel Company.
Legal Battle and Senate’s Response
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 claimed the allegations caused emotional and psychological distress to her and her children.
Meanwhile, the Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, stated on March 4 that the Senate cannot investigate Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims without a formal petition—which, as of that date, had not been submitted.
Public Reactions
The case has sparked widespread reactions, with many rallying behind Akpoti-Uduaghan, while others demand an official probe into the matter.
