Drama As Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Formally Submits Sexual Harassment Petition Against Akpabio
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In a dramatic turn of events, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, formally submitted a petition to the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
This development follows her earlier comments on Arise TV, where she alleged inappropriate advances by Akpabio. The petition submission has sparked heated debates within the Senate, highlighting procedural and ethical complexities.
The controversy began when Akpoti-Uduaghan invoked Order 40 of the Senate Rules to justify her decision to bring the matter before the legislative body. She emphasized that her allegations were serious and required formal attention, especially after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele previously stated that the Senate could not investigate Akpabio without an official petition.
During the plenary session, Senate President Akpabio, who presided over the proceedings, allowed Akpoti-Uduaghan to proceed with her submission. The petition was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Code of Conduct, Ethics, and Public Petitions, with instructions to report back to the Senate “as soon as practicable.”
However, the session took a contentious turn when Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno raised an objection, citing procedural grounds.
Monguno argued that the Senate could not entertain the petition because the matter was subjudice, referencing Order 40, Rule 7, which prohibits the Senate from deliberating on issues pending in court.
He stated, “The Senate should not receive or deliberate on any matter to which actions are pending in the court of law.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan vehemently countered Monguno’s claims, asserting that the matter in court was unrelated to her petition.
She clarified that the ongoing legal case involved a defamation suit against Akpabio’s special assistant on social media, Patrick Mfon, who had accused her of dressing indecently to the Senate. “This matter is not in court. The matter in court is a defamation case against the Senate President’s special assistant,” she argued.
Despite her defense, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele supported Monguno’s position, insisting that the petition was procedurally flawed and could not be accepted.
Bamidele highlighted that Senate rules prohibit a senator from authoring and submitting their own petition. “We cannot relax our rules. This petition cannot stand. It is in court. It is defective. There is no way we can accept this petition,” he stated firmly.
The disagreement led to a brief but rowdy session, with tensions running high among lawmakers. Bamidele eventually moved for the Senate to enter a closed session to resolve the matter.
Following the closed-door deliberations, the Senate resumed its regular proceedings, but the controversy remained unresolved.
Akpoti-Uduaghan staged a walkout, signaling her dissatisfaction with the Senate’s handling of her petition. The incident has drawn significant public attention, with many questioning the Senate’s commitment to addressing allegations of misconduct within its ranks.
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions is now tasked with reviewing the petition and providing recommendations.
However, the procedural and legal challenges raised during the plenary session suggest that the road ahead may be fraught with obstacles.
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