Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has resubmitted a petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alleging sexual harassment.
The petition was resubmitted during Thursday’s plenary session, after her initial petition was rejected by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions.
The petition, which was filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents, led by Zubairu Yakubu, alleges that Akpabio sexually harassed the senator. The petition was initially presented during Wednesday’s plenary session but was rejected due to a point of order raised by Senator Mohammed Monguno, citing Senate Standing Order 40.
Monguno argued that the matter could not be entertained or referred to the Ethics Committee, as it was sub judice due to an ongoing court case involving Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President. He also contended that the petition could not be considered since Akpoti-Uduaghan had personally signed it.
Despite Monguno’s objection, Akpabio instructed Akpoti-Uduaghan to formally lay the petition before the Senate, which was subsequently referred to the Ethics committee led by Senator Neda Imasuen. The committee was directed to report back to the plenary within four weeks after legislative review.
The resubmission of the petition has sparked a heated debate about sexual harassment in the Nigerian Senate. The petition has also raised questions about the Senate’s handling of such allegations and the need for a more robust system to address sexual harassment claims.
The resubmission of the petition by Akpoti-Uduaghan is a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding the allegations against Akpabio. As the Senate Ethics committee reviews the petition, it is essential that the committee conducts a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations.