The Senate on Wednesday dismissed a sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, declaring it “dead on arrival” and in violation of the Senate Standing Rules.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, had accused Akpabio of making sexual advances towards her during a visit to his Akwa Ibom residence on December 8, 2023. She further alleged that Akpabio pressured her to “make him happy” in exchange for favourable consideration of her motions in the Senate.
However, Akpabio denied the claims during plenary, maintaining that he holds the highest respect for women. He urged the public to await the court’s decision on the matter.
Despite her petition being referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, the panel dismissed it on procedural grounds. Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno cited Rule 40, stating that a senator cannot personally submit a petition but must have another senator present it on their behalf.
Committee Chairman Neda Imasuen reinforced the dismissal, noting that Akpoti-Uduaghan had already taken legal action on related issues, making her petition inadmissible. He also criticised her absence from the committee’s hearing, suggesting that she may have acted on legal advice.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the National Assembly to justify, within 72 hours, why it should not be restrained from probing Akpoti-Uduaghan for alleged misconduct. The court also directed the Senate to halt any disciplinary action against her until further legal proceedings.
The controversy follows a previous dispute over Senate seating arrangements, which led to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s referral to the ethics committee. Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu dismissed the matter as political theatrics, asserting that the Senate’s integrity remains intact.
