Natasha Files Sexual Harassment Petition Against Senate President Akpabio
It was a drama-filled Wednesday at the plenary session the senate, as Senate President Godswill Akpabio has denied allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Akpabio denied the allegation on Wednesday during the Senate’s plenary session after a one-week break. He said, “At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised very well by my late single mother and I have always upheld respect for women. I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria.”
Akpabio said he had been receiving calls about the matter since February 25 and was aware of the discussions on social media.
He urged Nigerians and the media to avoid making conclusions, asking them to wait for the court’s decision.
However, The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Wednesday formally submitted a petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of sexual harassment.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, speaking under Order 40 of the Senate Rules, told her colleagues that she had previously made the allegations during an interview on Arise TV and was now officially presenting them before the Senate.
In response, Akpabio directed her to proceed with the submission, which she did.
The petition was immediately referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for review.
During the probe session, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Neda Imasuen, cited Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders, explaining that Akpoti-Uduaghan signed the petition herself rather than having it endorsed by another individual, thereby rendering it procedurally invalid.
Additionally, he noted that the matters raised in the petition were already before the court, making them sub judice and beyond the Senate’s jurisdiction.
