Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Wednesday formally submitted a petition to the Senate, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office. Speaking under Order 40 of the Senate Rules, Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed that she had previously made the allegations public during a national television interview, but was now presenting them officially before the Senate.
Senate President's Response
In response, Senator Akpabio directed Akpoti-Uduaghan to proceed with the official submission of her petition. The submission came amid increasing tension and rival protests at the National Assembly, where Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters called for Akpabio’s resignation, while a pro-Akpabio group dismissed the accusations.
Opposition to the Petition
Senator Mohammed Monguno, the Senate Chief Whip (APC, Borno North), raised concerns under Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders, arguing that the matter could not be entertained or referred to the Ethics Committee because the issue was sub judice, as both Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio (the Senate President's wife) are involved in a court case. Monguno further pointed out that the petition was signed by Akpoti-Uduaghan, which violated the Standing Orders.
Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader (APC, Ekiti Central), aligned with Monguno’s position, advising the Senate to hold a closed-door session on the matter.
However, Senate President Akpabio ruled that the Senate would proceed with the business of the day in view of visitors in the gallery, who were witnessing the proceedings.
Tensions in the Senate
The submission of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition follows escalating tensions within the Senate, notably a heated confrontation that occurred last week when Akpoti-Uduaghan raised objections to the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Akpabio. She demanded an explanation for what she considered an unjustified move, leading to a sharp exchange.
Ongoing Developments
As the matter continues to unfold, the Senate is expected to address both the legal implications of the petition and the procedural issues raised by Monguno and Bamidele, with the Ethics Committee set to play a critical role in the investigation. Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations and the protests surrounding the case are adding further fuel to the ongoing political drama in the National Assembly.
