Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, has dismissed sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, referring to them as a “storm in a teacup.”
Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show, Adaramodu emphasized that the Senate has not received any formal petition regarding the allegations.
He stated that the Senate does not act on claims made through media platforms but only considers officially lodged complaints.
He remarked, “The Senate does not conduct its affairs based on what is trending on social media. There must be a formal petition or a matter raised before the Senate before any investigation can take place.”
Addressing issues related to the reallocation of seats within the Senate chamber, Adaramodu highlighted that all senators, including Akpoti-Uduaghan, must adhere to the established rules.
Citing Order 6 of the Senate Standing Orders, which grants the Senate President authority to assign seats, he noted that any breach of this rule undermines order in the chamber.
He added that if a senator follows due process in raising a point of order, no Senate President would deny them recognition, emphasizing that all senators are equal in the chamber.
The Senate spokesman also addressed calls from former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who suggested that Akpabio should submit himself to an open investigation to clear his name.
Adaramodu dismissed this suggestion, reiterating that no formal complaint has been lodged and that the Senate cannot act on allegations made through media channels without an official petition.
