The Senate has dismissed a sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, ruling that it was “dead on arrival” and in violation of the Senate Standing Rules. The decision, which has sparked controversy, came after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of inappropriate conduct during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom State on December 8, 2023.
The Kogi Central senator had alleged in a televised interview that Akpabio held her hand, led her around his house, and made advances towards her while her husband was present. She further claimed that Akpabio had suggested she “make him happy” if she wanted her motions to receive favorable consideration on the Senate floor. The allegations emerged amid an ongoing dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership over a recent reshuffling of seating arrangements in the chamber.
During Wednesday’s plenary session, Akpabio firmly denied the allegations, dismissing them as baseless. He reiterated his deep respect for women, emphasizing his upbringing by a single mother and his role as a father to four daughters. The Senate President urged the public to refrain from jumping to conclusions, citing ongoing legal proceedings related to the matter.
Despite her formal submission of a petition to the Senate, the Chief Whip, Mohammed Monguno, argued that her action violated the Senate’s procedural guidelines. Citing Rule 40 (1-7) of the Senate Standing Orders, Monguno contended that a petition must be presented by another senator and not signed by the petitioner. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele echoed this stance, warning that entertaining the petition would set a dangerous precedent.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, challenged the rejection of her petition, arguing that it did not contravene Senate rules. She clarified that the legal case in court was distinct from her petition, which accused Akpabio of obstructing her legislative functions and abusing his office. She appealed to Akpabio to forward the petition to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for proper review.
Nonetheless, the Chairman of the Ethics Committee, Neda Imasuen, dismissed the petition, maintaining that the matter was already before a court and, therefore, beyond the Senate’s jurisdiction. He also questioned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s absence from the committee’s maiden hearing, suggesting that she might have been advised by her lawyers not to appear. Imasuen further asserted that a court order seeking to restrain the Senate from investigating her conduct held no binding effect on the legislature.
In support of the dismissal, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu described the controversy as mere “content creation” meant to generate media attention. He accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of attempting to disrupt Senate proceedings and defended Akpabio’s handling of the seating arrangement dispute.
Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the National Assembly to justify why it should not be restrained from probing the senator for alleged misconduct. Justice Obiora Egwuatu ordered the Clerk of the National Assembly and the Senate to show cause why an interlocutory injunction should not be granted in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s favor. The court also authorized substituted service of court documents through the Clerk of the National Assembly or publication in national dailies.
As the controversy unfolds, the Senate’s decision to dismiss Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition continues to generate debate, with legal and political observers watching closely to see how the matter will be resolved in both the legislative and judicial arenas.
