The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday dismissed a sexual harassment petition filed by Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing procedural violations and an ongoing court case.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had alleged in a televised interview that Akpabio made inappropriate advances toward her during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom on December 8, 2023. She further claimed that the Senate President suggested she “make him happy” in exchange for seamless consideration of her motions in the upper chamber.
However, Akpabio denied the allegations, calling them “false and baseless.” During plenary, he stated, “At no time did I ever attempt any form of sexual harassment. I have the highest regard for women.”
Despite Akpoti-Uduaghan’s formal submission of a petition, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno argued that her action violated the Senate Standing Rules. Citing Rule 40, he pointed out that a senator cannot present a petition signed by themselves. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele supported the position, warning that accepting the petition would set a bad precedent.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Neda Imasuen, upheld the decision to reject the petition, stating that the matter was already in court and, therefore, outside the committee’s jurisdiction. Additionally, he noted that the petition was invalid as it was signed by Akpoti-Uduaghan herself rather than another senator.
The Kogi senator was absent from the committee’s proceedings, which Imasuen speculated was on the advice of her lawyers. “The petition was dead on arrival,” he affirmed.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a 72-hour ultimatum for the National Assembly to justify why it should not be restrained from probing Akpoti-Uduaghan for alleged misconduct. The court order also temporarily halted disciplinary action against her pending further hearings.
In a related development, supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan staged a protest outside the National Assembly, demanding Akpabio’s resignation. The demonstrators carried placards with inscriptions such as “Akpabio Must Resign” and “Leave Natasha for Her Husband.” However, security operatives prevented them from entering the complex.
The case continues to generate controversy, with both legal and political ramifications for the Senate leadership.
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