Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has once again submitted a sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
During Thursday’s plenary, Akpoti-Uduaghan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, brought forward the petition after her initial submission was rejected by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions. This time, she clarified that the petition was filed by her constituents, led by a certain Zubairu Yakubu.
In response, Akpabio asked if there were any legal restrictions preventing the Senate from considering the petition. Akpoti-Uduaghan affirmed that there were none. Following this exchange, the Senate President instructed her to formally lay the petition before the house. It was subsequently referred to the Ethics Committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, with a mandate to review the case and present findings within four weeks.
This development comes after controversy erupted on Wednesday when Akpoti-Uduaghan initially presented the petition. Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North), had objected, citing Senate Standing Order 40. He argued that the matter was sub judice due to an ongoing legal battle between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio’s wife, Ekaette Akpabio. Additionally, Monguno noted that since the petition bore Akpoti-Uduaghan’s signature, it should not be entertained.
The Ethics Committee consequently dismissed the earlier petition, declaring it invalid. However, with the latest submission coming from her constituents, the case is now set for fresh legislative review.