The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), has stated that no formal petition has been submitted against Senate President Godswill Akpabio regarding allegations of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Speaking on Arise TV Morning Show on Monday, Adaramodu described the allegations as a “storm in a teacup” and emphasized that all senators, including Akpoti-Uduaghan, must adhere to the Senate’s standing rules in their conduct and statements. He maintained that the Senate, as an institution, does not react to unverified media reports or social media trends.
“The Senate does not conduct its affairs based on trending topics. For any investigation to take place, there must be a formal petition or a properly raised matter before the Senate. As of now, no such case exists. The only issue before the Senate concerns Senator Natasha’s non-compliance with the standing orders,” Adaramodu stated.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the seating arrangement, which triggered the dispute, the Senate spokesperson explained that Akpoti-Uduaghan must comply with the chamber’s rules. He cited Order 6 of the Senate Standing Rules, which grants the Senate President the authority to assign seats, stressing that all lawmakers must speak from their designated positions.
He also refuted claims that the Senate President was suppressing dissent, noting that Akpabio, like every senator, is “one among equals” and that any lawmaker who follows due process in raising a point of order would not be denied recognition.
Adaramodu further dismissed calls from former Senate President Bukola Saraki for Akpabio to submit himself to an open investigation, arguing that such a demand was unnecessary without a formal complaint. Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is expected to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to address concerns regarding her conduct during last week’s plenary session.
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