The Senate has revealed that it hasn’t received a formal petition regarding the sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
According to Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, “The Senate does not conduct its affairs based on what is trending on social media. There must be a formal petition or a matter raised before the Senate before any investigation can take place.”
Adaramodu described the allegation as “a storm in a teacup” and emphasized that all senators must adhere to the rules of the Senate in their conduct and utterances. He also addressed the controversy over Senate seating arrangements, which allegedly led to the dispute, stressing that Akpoti-Uduaghan must abide by Senate rules, specifically Order 6.
Additionally, Adaramodu dismissed calls by former Senate President Bukola Saraki for Akpabio to submit to an open investigation, stating that no evidence of misconduct had been officially presented before the Senate. Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan is set to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions over her conduct at last week’s plenary.