The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, on Monday refused to respond to the former Managing Director of the Interim Management Committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Joi Nunieh, who accused him of sexually harassing her, oyogist.com reports.
Mrs Nunieh spoke on Monday on an Arise TV programme after the minister dismissed allegations of fraud against him as a temperament problem on the part of the former NDDC boss. She had earlier said her refusal to be part of alleged corrupt acts by Mr Akpabio led to her removal.
In his response, Mr Akpabio said the minister had a character problem and claimed that was best shown in Mrs Nunieh’s failed marriages.
Speaking Monday, Mrs Nunieh said the minister had tried to “come on her” and sexually harrased her with a promise she would be retained as NDDC chief.
However, when the Minister was confronted with the allegation in Abuja on Tuesday, he refused to talk on the issue.
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“We should not focus on sensationalism and pull-him down syndrome. For me, that (the development of the Niger Delta region) is what should engage our attention.
“As a Minister of the Federal Republic, I cannot discuss about an individual. I can discuss issues that will bring development and move the region forward; things that will promote the ideals of the Federal Government,” he said.
