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ABUJA,Nigeria - The Senate ethics, privileges, and public petitions committee dismissed Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday, declaring it to be invalid from the outset.
“The petition she submitted today is invalid,” stated the committee chairman, Neda Imasuen. “I pointed out that it contravenes Order 40, Subsection 4, which dictates that no senator may present a petition signed by themselves. Since she signed her own petition, it will not be considered by this committee.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, had previously filed a petition against Akpabio, accusing him of sexual harassment, abuse of office, and hindering her legislative duties.
Last Friday, Akpoti-Uduaghan made serious claims of sexual assault against Akpabio, alleging he requested her to “make me happy” and to engage in extramarital relationships if she wanted to have a smooth experience at the National Assembly.
Akpabio, however, has denied harassing her or anyone else, asserting that he was raised properly by his parents.
The Senate committee has stated that the petition lacks merit, emphasizing that it does not align with the Senate's rules.
The committee expressed its intention to consider submissions from other lawmakers on the matter, committing to report back to the Senate as promised.
“She is not present. I understand the reason for her absence, possibly at her lawyers’ request. In light of this, the committee will convene and deliberate on the information we have received from distinguished senators who presented their cases, as well as from the Sergeant-at-Arms, and using our rule book and available documents as a basis for our decision. We will make our recommendations to the full Senate,” they affirmed.
Additionally, Akpoti-Uduaghan has secured an ex parte order from the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court to prevent her colleagues in the Senate from taking disciplinary action against her.
Rocketparrot report that protests erupted, with some women calling for Akpabio’s resignation to allow security agencies to investigate him, while others have branded Akpoti-Uduaghan as a blackmailer, asserting that “it is not inappropriate for a man to look at a woman.”
