The Nigerian Senate has dismissed a sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing it as “dead on arrival.” The upper legislative chamber ruled that her petition violated the Senate Standing Rules.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances toward her during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom on December 8, 2023. In a televised interview, she alleged that he held her hand and led her around his home while her husband was present. Later, she suggested that she “make him happy” for her motions to receive favourable consideration in the Senate.
During Wednesday’s plenary, Akpabio denied the allegations, calling them false and baseless. He maintained his respect for women, highlighting his background and governance record as evidence. “I have four daughters, and at no time have I ever harassed any woman,” he stated, urging Nigerians to await the court’s decision before jumping to conclusions.
Violation of Senate Rules
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, to which the petition was referred, rejected the case, citing procedural irregularities.
Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno explained that under Rule 40, a senator cannot submit a petition on their behalf, another senator must present it. He further noted that matters pending in court cannot be entertained by the Senate.
Supporting this stance, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele warned that accepting the petition would set a bad precedent. Akpabio upheld the ruling, referencing the Senate’s Standing Orders.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Response
Challenging the rejection, Akpoti-Uduaghan argued that the allegations against Akpabio were not the subject of any court case. She clarified that her ongoing lawsuit concerned alleged cyberbullying by Akpabio’s aide, not the harassment claims. Holding up a copy of her petition, she insisted it should be accepted for review.
However, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Neda Imasuen, ruled that the petition was inadmissible. He further dismissed an Abuja Federal High Court order attempting to restrain the Senate from taking disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan, asserting that the judiciary could not interfere in legislative affairs.
Absence at Committee Hearing
At the committee’s maiden sitting, Akpoti-Uduaghan was absent, and no representative appeared on her behalf. Imasuen speculated that her absence was likely on the advice of her legal team. Without her presence, the committee proceeded with its deliberations, ultimately dismissing the petition based on Senate rules.
Speaking on a television programme, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu downplayed the controversy, suggesting it was mere “content creation” rather than a serious matter. He further stressed that the Senate’s corporate image remained intact despite the incident.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a 72-hour ultimatum for the National Assembly to justify why it should not be restrained from probing Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged misconduct. The court granted her legal team permission to serve their suit through substituted means and temporarily halted any disciplinary action against her.
As the controversy unfolds, the Senate maintains that procedural violations led to the petition’s dismissal, while the legal battle continues in court.