The Senate has dismissed a petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in which she accused him of sexual harassment.
At a probe session on Wednesday, Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, ruled the petition invalid, citing a violation of Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders. He explained that Akpoti-Uduaghan signed the petition herself instead of having it endorsed by another person, rendering it procedurally flawed. Additionally, the matters raised were already before the courts, making them sub judice.
Despite being scheduled to appear before the committee, Akpoti-Uduaghan was absent. The session, set for 2:00 PM, eventually commenced at 2:58 PM after waiting for both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South). While Adaramodu arrived at 2:50 PM, Akpoti-Uduaghan did not attend.
The petition stemmed from a plenary session incident two weeks ago, leading Senate President Akpabio to refer the matter to the Ethics Committee for investigation. During deliberations, Senator Adaramodu argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public challenge over her seat allocation had tarnished the Senate’s image. He also cited an interview she gave to Brekete Family on Human Rights Radio and TV, where she reiterated her allegations.
Following these discussions, the Senate upheld the committee’s decision and dismissed the petition as invalid.
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