The Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, has clarified that the sexual harassment allegation made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio is not currently before the Senate.
This disclosure was made during an appearance on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Monday.
According to Adaramodu, the only matter before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petition is Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged non-compliance with the Senate’s standing orders. He emphasized that this is the sole issue at hand, stating, “The only matter before the Senate is between Senator Natasha and the rest of the senators, that she is not complying with the standing orders of the Senate. No other issues.”
Adaramodu further explained that if any additional issues arise, the ethics, privileges, and public petition committee will review them once referred. However, he noted that such matters would be treated as internal affairs, given the Senate’s autonomy.”
It is going to be taken as an internal affair. The Senate does not run the committee with senators. The Senate President does not even run with its members. It is an independent committee,” Adaramodu said.
This development comes amidst calls from various groups, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for Akpabio’s removal over the allegations. The PDP has been vocal in its demands, stating that Akpabio’s position as Senate President is untenable given the seriousness of the allegations.
The controversy surrounding Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan has been ongoing for several weeks, with both parties trading accusations and counter-accusations. The matter has generated significant public interest, with many Nigerians calling for a thorough investigation into the allegations.
In a recent statement, the PDP called on the National Assembly to take immediate action against Akpabio, stating that his continued presence as Senate President undermines the integrity of the institution.
“The PDP demands that the National Assembly takes immediate and decisive action against Senator Akpabio, including his removal as Senate President, to restore the integrity and dignity of the National Assembly,” the party said.
The Senate’s handling of the matter has been criticized by some, who argue that the institution is not taking the allegations seriously enough. However, Adaramodu’s statement suggests that the Senate is taking a cautious approach, choosing to focus on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged non-compliance with the Senate’s standing orders rather than the more serious allegations against Akpabio.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Senate will ultimately handle the matter. One thing is clear, however: the allegations against Akpabio have sparked a national conversation about sexual harassment and the need for greater accountability in public office.
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