Ezekwesili Condemns Senate’s Rejection of Natasha’s Petition

Oby Ezekwesili, a former Nigerian minister, has strongly criticized the Senate for dismissing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office. Ezekwesili described the Senate’s actions as a “democratic aberration,” “farcical,” and a “blot on Nigeria’s democracy”.

The petition, submitted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, alleged sexual harassment and abuse of office against Akpabio. Despite some senators opposing the petition, citing Senate rules, Akpabio allowed it to proceed. However, the Senate committee later rejected the petition, stating it violated Senate rules.

Ezekwesili slammed the Senate’s decision, emphasizing that the National Assembly belongs to the Nigerian people, not politicians. She stated, “Our National Assembly… belongs to the Nigerian people and not to politicians of any stripe and status. This is why the National Assembly is called a public institution”.

Ezekwesili also demanded transparency and full disclosure, requesting an independent investigation and public hearing. She wrote, “Swiftly appoint an independent investigator on the petition of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan… and elevate the status of the proceedings… into a public hearing for full transparency and disclosure”.