Senate President Godswill Akpabio has criticized Senator Natasha Akpoti for allegedly misrepresenting facts about her suspension during a United Nations (UN) inter-parliamentary conference in New York on Tuesday, March 12.

Akpoti had claimed at the UN meeting that she was suspended from the Senate because of her sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio. However, during the Senate plenary on Thursday, March 13, Akpabio condemned her statements, accusing her of misleading the international community and embarrassing the Senate.

“I am aware that she distorted the facts and globalized the matter, embarrassing the Senate by giving a different narrative,” Akpabio said. “I appreciate Hon. Kafilat for clarifying to the international media that what was presented was completely different from reality.”

He also noted that Akpoti initially brought the matter to the Senate through a petition but later took it to court and then to the UN, warning that such actions could discourage politicians from appointing women to key positions.