Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has formally submitted a petition to the Nigerian Senate, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, abuse of power, and obstruction.
Akpoti-Uduaghan presented the petition during a plenary session, detailing allegations of misconduct against Akpabio.
The petition, which has sparked nationwide reactions, calls for an official investigation into the allegations.
Despite the seriousness of the accusations, the Senate rejected the petition, with some lawmakers arguing that the matter was already in court.
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted that the allegations deserved attention from the legislative body, emphasizing the need for accountability in leadership.
In response, Akpabio denied the allegations, dismissing them as baseless and politically motivated.
In an address he read to his colleague in the chamber, Akpabio said he was raised by a single mother who died in 2000.
He said he also raised four daughters and could therefore have not harassed any woman.
Akpabio called on the media, the public and especially those on social media to not jump into conclusion because what has been levelled against him were mere allegations.
He has yet to make a formal legal response to the petition.
Meanwhile, Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, has declared the petition submitted by Natasha as “dead on arrival,” citing a breach of Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders.
Imasuen was speaking at a related probe session arising from the outburst of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on the floor of the senate recently.
He faulted the petition submitted by Akpoti-Uduaghan, pointing out that she signed the petition herself, instead of having it endorsed by another individual, rendering it procedurally invalid.
He also added that the issues raised in the petition were already in court, making them subjudice.
The committee members were disappointed that Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to appear before the probe panel.
The session, set for 2:00 PM, did not commence until 2:58 PM when the committee’s chairman arrived after waiting for both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South).
While Adaramodu eventually arrived at 2:50 PM, Akpoti-Uduaghan was absent as the session began.
