The Nigerian Senate has dismissed the sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions ruled that the petition was invalid due to procedural errors.
During a hearing on Wednesday at the National Assembly, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Neda Imasuen, declared that “the petition was dead on arrival”, citing a breach of Order 40 of the Senate Standing Rules.
Petition Declared Invalid
Senator Imasuen explained that Akpoti-Uduaghan had signed the petition herself instead of having another individual endorse it. This, he said, violated Order 40, Subsection 4, which states that a senator cannot personally sign and submit a petition.
“The petition that she (Natasha) presented today is actually dead on arrival. It runs contrary to Order 40, Subsection 4, which states that no senator may present to the Senate a petition signed by him or herself. Since that petition was signed by her, it will not be entertained by this committee,” Imasuen stated.
The committee chairman also pointed out that the issues raised in the petition were already being handled in court, making them subjudice and inappropriate for Senate discussion.
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Senator Natasha Fails to Appear Before Committee
Despite the committee scheduling a hearing on the petition, Akpoti-Uduaghan did not appear before the probe panel. The session, which was set to begin at 2:00 pm, was delayed and only commenced at 2:58 pm when the committee chairman arrived.
Meanwhile, Senate Spokesman Yemi Adaramodu, who was also expected to attend, arrived at 2:50 pm. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan was absent throughout the session.
Akpabio Denies Allegations
The petition had earlier been submitted during plenary on Wednesday, with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan formally accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. However, Senate President Akpabio swiftly denied the allegations, dismissing them as false and baseless.
“At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised very well by my late single mother, and I have always upheld respect for women. I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria,” Akpabio stated.
The petition’s dismissal marks a major setback for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims, as the Senate has now ruled the matter out based on procedural grounds. It remains to be seen whether she will take further legal action regarding her allegations.