The Senate has dismissed a sexual harassment petition filed by Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, declaring it “dead on arrival.” Lawmakers argued that her petition violated the Senate Standing Rules.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Akpabio of making sexual advances toward her during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom on December 8, 2023. She claimed Akpabio held her hand, led her around the house while her husband followed behind, and later asked her to “make him happy” if she wanted her motions to be considered in the Senate.
The allegations surfaced shortly after the Senate referred her to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for protesting new sitting arrangements in the chamber.
During Wednesday’s plenary, Akpabio denied the claims, insisting he had the utmost respect for women. He cited his upbringing by a single mother, his role as a father to four daughters, and his past recognition as a gender-friendly governor. He urged Nigerians to await the court’s decision on the matter.
Akpoti-Uduaghan formally submitted her petition to the Senate, but Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno opposed it, citing Senate Rules that prohibit a senator from submitting a petition signed by themselves. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele warned that considering her petition would set a bad precedent.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Neda Imasuen, subsequently dismissed the petition, arguing that the matter was already in court. He also rejected a Federal High Court order restraining the Senate from taking disciplinary measures against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was absent from the committee hearing, and no representative spoke on her behalf. Imasuen suggested that she may have skipped the session on her lawyers’ advice.
During the hearing, Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu dismissed her claims as “content creation,” suggesting she was seeking attention. The Head of the Serjeant-At-Arms, Muktar Daudawa, also testified that seat reallocation in the chamber was routine and not targeted at her.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the National Assembly to justify within 72 hours why it should not be restrained from probing Akpoti-Uduaghan. Justice Obiora Egwuatu ruled that the Senate must show cause why an injunction should not be issued to stop disciplinary action against her.
The court also granted permission for the legal team to serve relevant court documents through the Clerk of the National Assembly or by publishing them in two national newspapers.