On Wednesday, the Senate dismissed the sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, describing it as “dead on arrival.” The decision, which came amidst ongoing political tensions, further intensified the ongoing dispute between the two lawmakers.
The Senate, in its ruling, cited Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition as a violation of the Senate Standing Rules, specifically pointing to concerns over the manner in which the petition was submitted. The dismissal of the petition has sparked significant public discourse, especially after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s initial allegations of sexual harassment made in a media interview.
In the interview with Arise Television, Akpoti-Uduaghan had alleged that Akpabio made inappropriate sexual advances toward her during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom State on December 8, 2023. According to her claims, Akpabio held her hand and led her around his house, with her husband trailing behind. She further accused the Senate President of requesting that she “make him happy” in exchange for favorable consideration of her motions on the Senate floor.
However, the Senate strongly rejected these accusations, with Akpabio himself vehemently denying the allegations during Wednesday’s plenary. “At no time did I ever attempt any sexual harassment,” Akpabio stated, underscoring his respect for women. “I have four beautiful daughters, and I would never harass any woman,” he asserted, while appealing to the public and media to allow the courts to decide the matter.
Shortly after the plenary, Akpoti-Uduaghan submitted a formal petition to the Senate. However, the Senate President swiftly referred the matter to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. In response to the submission, Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Monguno, pointed out that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s action was a breach of the Senate’s procedural rules.
Citing Rule 40(1-7) of the Senate Standing Orders, Monguno explained that a petition could only be presented by a Senator, who must affix their name at the beginning. He further emphasized that no Senator is allowed to present a petition signed by themselves, and that the Senate would not entertain petitions on matters that were already before the courts.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also echoed Monguno’s stance, asserting that allowing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition would set a dangerous precedent for the Senate. “We must adhere strictly to the rules of the Senate,” Bamidele insisted, further reinforcing the importance of following established legislative procedures.
In support of the position, Akpabio added, “The objections raised by Senator Monguno are valid. The Senate rules are clear, and the public can refer to them for clarification.” He urged members of the media to refrain from prematurely drawing conclusions before the courts have made a ruling on the matter.
Despite these procedural setbacks, Akpoti-Uduaghan interjected, citing a matter of privilege. She argued that her petition should be heard, noting that the matter in court was about defamation and cyberbullying, not the allegations of sexual harassment. “This petition has never been filed in court,” she stated, presenting her case in defense of her actions.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen, ultimately dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition, declaring it to be “dead on arrival” due to its violation of Senate rules. He also dismissed a recent court order that sought to restrain the Senate from taking disciplinary action against the Kogi lawmaker, stating that the judiciary cannot interfere with legislative matters.
Imasuen further explained that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s absence at the committee’s proceedings was likely due to advice from her legal team. “We have followed the rules of the Senate, and this committee is not bound by any court order in this instance,” he stated firmly.
The absence of Akpoti-Uduaghan at the committee meeting was noted with disappointment. Imasuen remarked, “We have been waiting for her to honor our invitation. She has failed to appear, and we can only proceed with the matter at hand.”
According to Imasuen, the allegations made in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition were already part of an ongoing court case, which the committee could not entertain. “We must adhere to our procedures,” he stated, referring to Rule 40, which prohibits the consideration of petitions that are already before a court.
Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, also weighed in on the matter, dismissing the allegations as mere “content creation” designed to generate media attention. “This is just another case of people trying to create a stir in the media,” he said during a Channels Television interview. “We have seen this type of thing before, and it doesn’t change anything.”
Adaramodu further explained that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s protest over the seating arrangements in the Senate was a procedural matter. He clarified that senators cannot raise points of order if they are not in the proper seating arrangement, as was the case with Akpoti-Uduaghan during the plenary session.
Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an injunction to stop the Senate from taking further action. The court granted her permission to serve notice to the National Assembly, ordering the Senate to show cause within 72 hours why the inquiry against her should not be restrained.
The court’s decision adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict, with the National Assembly now required to justify its actions in light of the legal proceedings.
Amidst the legal and political turmoil, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters rallied in protest outside the National Assembly. Holding banners that read “Akpabio must resign now” and “Leave Natasha for her husband,” the protesters demanded the immediate resignation of the Senate President. However, their efforts were thwarted by a heavy security presence, preventing them from gaining access to the National Assembly complex.
In contrast, the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders issued a statement distancing themselves from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions. The group expressed disappointment over her ongoing conflict with the Senate President and condemned the attacks on Akpabio’s character. In an open letter, they emphasized the need for the National Assembly to uphold its rules and avoid allowing personal grievances to undermine its integrity.
“We regret the public attack on the Senate President,” the letter read. “The rules of the Senate must be respected, and such behavior is unbecoming of a member of this esteemed institution.”
