Senate President Godswill Akpabio has finally reacted to the allegation by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that he sexually assaulted her.

He reacted to the allegations on Wednesday, March 5 after the resumption of plenary after a week's recess.

“At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised very well by my late single mother, and I have always upheld respect for women. I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria,” he said as calls for his resignation intensified.

Akpabio further called on Nigerians, new media and social media users to refrain from drawing conclusions on the matter and instead wait for the decision by the court on the matter.

Immediately after his remarks, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan raised another petition under Order 40 of the Standing Orders accusing the Senate President of sexual harassment and abuse of office.

She requested permission to step forward and formally lay the petition before the chamber.

The Senate subsequently referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, directing it to review the matter as soon as practicable.