The Senate has officially dismissed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing procedural violations and legal constraints.
At a probe session on Wednesday, Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, declared the petition “dead on arrival,” stating that it violated Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders.
Imasuen explained, “The petitioner personally signed the document instead of having it endorsed by another individual, which is against Senate rules.” He further noted that the matter was already in court, making it sub judice and beyond the Senate’s jurisdiction.
Despite being summoned to appear before the probe panel at 2:00 PM, Akpoti-Uduaghan was absent, delaying the session until 2:58 PM.
The petition originated from a confrontation two weeks ago when Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged Akpabio over the reassignment of her Senate seat. The Ethics Committee was directed to investigate and report back within two weeks.
During deliberations, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South) criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public accusations, arguing that they had tarnished the Senate’s image. He also referenced her interview on Brekete Family radio, where she repeated her claims.
The Senate upheld the committee’s decision to dismiss the petition on procedural grounds following discussions.
