The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has rejected Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
During a hearing at the National Assembly on Wednesday, the committee’s chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, ruled the petition invalid. He said it violated Order 40 of the Senate’s Standing Rules.
Imasuen explained that Akpoti-Uduaghan signed the petition herself, which broke Senate rules. He also noted that the case was already in court, so the Senate could not intervene.
“A senator cannot submit a petition they signed. Since she signed it, we cannot consider it,” Imasuen said.
The hearing was scheduled for 2 p.m. but started at 2:58 p.m. due to delays. Akpoti-Uduaghan did not attend. Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu arrived at 2:50 p.m.
Earlier that day, Akpoti-Uduaghan presented the petition in plenary, accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. Akpabio denied the allegations.
“I have never harassed any woman. My late single mother raised me to respect women. I was even named Nigeria’s most gender-friendly governor,” Akpabio said.
Since the Senate rejected the petition, the courts will now handle the case.
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