The sexual harassment petition submitted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio has sparked controversy, as senators disagree over its validity and procedural standing.
Akpoti-Uduaghan formally presented her petition on Wednesday, following claims by Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu that the only petition before the Senate was regarding her alleged disobedience to the chamber’s orders.
This development has ignited public debate, with supporters of the Kogi Central senator calling for justice and demanding Akpabio’s resignation over the matter.
Senators Divided on the Petition’s Legitimacy
Some senators have backed Akpabio, arguing that the petition does not comply with Senate rules. Others maintain that since Akpabio has ruled in favour of hearing it, the matter should be deliberated upon.
Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno (Borno, APC) cited Order 40, Rule 7 of the Senate Standing Orders, stating that the issue is already before a court of law, making it inadmissible in the Senate.
“The matter is in court. Senator Natasha has gone to court on this matter, and the wife of the Senate President has also filed a case. The Senate, therefore, lacks jurisdiction to entertain it.”
Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North, APC) proposed referring the issue to the Ethics Committee for further clarification.
Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central, APC) argued that under Order 40, Subsection 4, a senator cannot submit a petition they authored—petitions must be presented on behalf of constituents.
“The essence of the rule is to lay petitions on behalf of constituents, not to be the author. I sympathise with Mr. President, as a man accused of sexual harassment, but I won’t comment further because the authorities will address it.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan Fires Back
Countering these claims, Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted that her harassment petition is not in court. She clarified that the only case in court was a cyberbullying suit filed by Akpabio’s special assistant, Patrick Udom, who accused her of wearing transparent clothing to the Senate.
She appealed to Akpabio to accept her petition and refer it to the Ethics and Privileges Committee for deliberation.
Akpabio Responds
The Senate President has denied all allegations, stating:
“At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised by my late single mother and have always upheld respect for women. I was even awarded Nigeria’s most gender-friendly governor.”
Akpabio acknowledged that he had been receiving numerous calls about the issue since February 25 and urged Nigerians to avoid making assumptions, allowing due process to take its course.
Will the Senate hear Natasha’s petition, or will the legal dispute block further debate? The Ethics Committee’s decision remains crucial in determining the next steps.