Senate President, Dr Godswill Akpabio may have settled for a counciliatory approach to the sexual harassment allegations against him by the Senator representing Kogi State Central Senatorial District, Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as he engages the services of foremost human rights lawyer, and former President , Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr Olisa Agbakoba SAN.

Dr Agbakoba at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday said his chambers accepted the brief “in a counciliatory manner”. He will therefore be more interested in finding out the truth in the allegations of sexual harassment made by Mrs Akpoti Uduaghan.

Agbakoba said: “Allegation of sexual harassment is a serious matter that deserves careful handling. We acknowledge the difficulty faced by anyone making such an allegation and the importance of treating all parties with dignity,” adding that his chambers, Olisa Agbakoba Legal(OAL) accepted the brief in a “conciliatory manner”.

He said further: “I have three daughters and, so, understand the gravity of sexual harassment. I am ready to meet with Akpoti-Uduaghan and her lawyers on the issue.”

According to Agbakoba, OAL is only interested in the legal angle to the allegation. “Sexual harassment allegations, particularly in governance institutions, require careful handling not only for the parties involved but also for the integrity of our democratic institutions,” he said.

Agbakoba said that the case should be resolved through institutional processes rather than media channels, emphasising the importance of commitment to transparency and justice.

“Sexual harassment is serious. Also is presumption of innocence. Let the facts lead, not sentiment,” he said.

(NAN)