The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday dismissed a sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi State against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing it as “dead on arrival.”
The Senate deemed her action a violation of the Senate Standing Rules, citing procedural irregularities in the submission. Akpoti-Uduaghan did not attend the hearing held by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which was tasked with reviewing her allegations against Akpabio over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber.
Allegations Against Akpabio
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, in an interview with Arise Television, accused Akpabio of making sexual advances toward her during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom on December 8, 2023. She claimed that he held her hand, led her around his home while her husband was present, and later suggested that she “make him happy” to ensure smooth consideration of her motions in the Senate.
Her allegations surfaced shortly after the Senate unanimously voted to refer her to the Ethics Committee for protesting the newly assigned seating arrangements in the chamber.
Akpabio’s Denial
Denying the allegations during Wednesday’s plenary session, Akpabio stated that he holds the highest respect for women.
“On February 20, 2025, some spurious allegations were making rounds on social media and television. I would like to state clearly that at no time did I ever engage in any form of sexual harassment,” Akpabio said. “I was raised by a single mother, and I have four daughters. I have always upheld the highest respect for women.”
Akpabio also recalled that during his tenure as governor (2007-2015), he was recognized as “the most gender-friendly governor” in Nigeria. He urged Nigerians to await the court’s decision on the matter.
Petition Dismissed on Procedural Grounds
Following the formal submission of her petition, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan had violated Senate rules. Citing Senate Standing Rules 40 (1-7), Monguno emphasized that:
- A petition must be presented by another senator, not the petitioner themselves.
- The Senate does not entertain petitions on matters pending in court.
Supporting this position, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele warned that entertaining Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition would set a dangerous precedent.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, argued that her petition had not yet been filed in any court, contradicting the claim that it was sub judice. She insisted that her petition be accepted and forwarded to the Ethics Committee for review.
Despite her objections, the committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, dismissed the petition, reaffirming that it violated Senate procedures. He further dismissed a Federal High Court order attempting to restrain the Senate from taking disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“The petition is dead on arrival as it contravenes Senate Rule 40, which states that no senator may present a petition signed by themselves. Since the matter is also in court, we cannot entertain it,” Imasuen ruled.
Senate Ethics Committee Criticizes Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Absence
Imasuen expressed disappointment over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s failure to appear before the committee. He suggested that she might have been advised by her legal team to avoid the hearing.
“It is the procedure of this committee to first confirm if a petition is before any court of law. If it is, we do not touch such petitions,” he said. “Additionally, our standing rules clearly state that a senator cannot submit a petition about themselves. A fellow senator must do so.”
Senate Spokesman and Colleagues Defend Akpabio
Senate Spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu dismissed the controversy, describing it as mere political theatrics. He likened the situation to “content creation” aimed at drawing media attention.
He emphasized that Akpoti-Uduaghan was not prevented from speaking in the chamber but was required to adhere to Senate rules regarding proper seating before raising points of order.
“The Senate’s image remains intact, and this matter will be resolved amicably,” Adaramodu assured.
Federal High Court Issues 72-Hour Ultimatum to Senate
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja has given the National Assembly 72 hours to justify why it should not be restrained from probing Akpoti-Uduaghan for alleged misconduct. Justice Obiora Egwuatu, ruling on an ex-parte application filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, ordered the Senate to show cause why an injunction should not be granted against it.
The court further restrained the Senate Ethics Committee from proceeding with any disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan until the matter was heard.
Protests and Public Reactions
As the controversy unfolds, a group of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters staged a protest at the National Assembly gate, demanding Akpabio’s resignation. Their banners read: “Akpabio must resign now” and “Leave Natasha for her husband.”
However, the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders, a separate group, distanced themselves from the senator, criticizing her actions. In an open letter signed by Convener Abdulraheem Adeku, the group condemned her public attacks on Akpabio and urged her to respect the Senate’s standing rules.
“The National Assembly has established procedures that must be followed. Unfortunately, a matter concerning simple compliance with Senate rules has escalated into a personal attack on the Senate President,” the letter stated.
Conclusion
With legal proceedings underway and tensions within the Senate still high, the dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio remains unresolved. As the judiciary deliberates on the case, public opinion remains divided, with supporters and critics voicing contrasting perspectives on the unfolding controversy.