The Senate on Wednesday dismissed the sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, describing it as “dead on arrival.”
The Senate maintained that the petition violated its Standing Rules, as it was personally signed and presented by the petitioner.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Akpabio of making sexual advances towards her during a visit to his residence in December 2023. She further claimed that the Senate President demanded favours to facilitate the passage of her motions.
Akpabio, while denying the allegations, described them as false and baseless, stressing his respect for women and his track record as a gender-friendly governor.
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, dismissed the petition, stating that the matter was already in court and could not be entertained.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was absent from the committee’s sitting, prompting the chairman to suggest that her absence was likely based on legal advice.
Meanwhile, a 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 the senator over alleged misconduct.
Supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan staged a protest at the National Assembly, demanding Akpabio’s resignation, while the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders distanced themselves from the senator’s actions, urging respect for the Senate’s rules.
