Former Senate President Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan on Tuesday expressed concern over what he described as misleading reports in some sections of the media, alleging that he defended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio during last week’s plenary, which led to the lawmaker’s suspension.

He stated that at no time did he take sides with either Natasha or the Senate President during the legislative debate.

In a statement by his Media Adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo, Lawan stressed that the issue of sexual harassment was never raised in the chamber for debate. He clarified that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was based on Senate Rules and Orders, making it impossible for him to have mentioned sexual harassment, as some media reports suggested.

He said: “The attention of the Office of the President of the 9th Senate, Distinguished Senator Ahmad Lawan, has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in some sections of the media, suggesting that Senator Lawan defended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against allegations of sexual harassment involving the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

“We wish to categorically state that these reports are entirely false and a gross misrepresentation of the facts.

“During the Senate plenary session last Thursday, 6 March 2025, Senator Ahmad Lawan, in his capacity as a respected member of the upper chamber, drew the attention of his colleagues to one of the recommendations contained in the report by the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions.

“The recommendation in question proposed the withdrawal of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s security aides.”

Senator Lawan, in his intervention, cautioned the Senate against adopting this recommendation, emphasizing that such a decision could set a dangerous precedent that might be exploited against lawmakers in the future.

“His remarks were strictly procedural and aimed at upholding the integrity and independence of the National Assembly.

“At no point did Senator Lawan defend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan or take sides in the allegations against the Senate President. His intervention was purely a matter of principle, reflecting his commitment to due process and the rule of law.”

Senator Ahmad Lawan remains a statesman who prioritizes the stability and dignity of the National Assembly. He urges the media and the public to disregard any insinuations that suggest otherwise.