From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has formally submitted a petition to the Senate, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
Akpoti-Uduaghan tendered the petition during plenary on Wednesday, citing Order 40 of the Senate Rules. The move follows her recent interview on Arise TV, where she alleged that Akpabio made persistent sexual advances toward her, which she claimed led to her victimization in the Senate.
“My refusal to yield to his consistent advances, both within and outside the country, is the reason behind the victimization I face in the Senate. It all started on December 8, 2023, a day before our shared birthday,” she alleged.
While Akpabio allowed her to proceed with the petition submission, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno objected, citing Order 40, Rule 7, which states that the Senate cannot deliberate on matters pending in court.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also opposed the petition, arguing, “We cannot relax our rules. This petition cannot stand. It is in court. It is defective.”
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan clarified that the matter before the court pertained to defamation, not sexual harassment.
“This matter is not in court. The case in court is a defamation suit against the Senate President’s special assistant on social media, Patrick Mfon, who accused me of dressing indecently in the Senate,” she explained.
Following deliberations, the Senate referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for further investigation.
Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio has dismissed the allegations, urging Nigerians to allow the courts to handle the matter.
“At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised by a single mother who taught me respect for women. I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria,” he said during plenary.
He acknowledged the widespread discussions on social media and said he had been receiving calls about the allegations since February 25. He appealed to Nigerians and the media to avoid making conclusions before the court’s decision.
The dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio follows a heated exchange over seating arrangements in the Senate on February 20, when the Kogi lawmaker protested the relocation of her seat. The Senate later referred her to the Ethics and Privileges Committee for disciplinary action.
On Wednesday, supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan stormed the National Assembly, demanding justice for the senator and accusing Akpabio of attempting to silence women. Security operatives fired tear gas to disperse the protesters, but they regrouped despite the heavy security presence.
In a separate development, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday restrained the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from conducting disciplinary proceedings against Akpoti-Uduaghan. Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the order following an ex parte application filed by her legal team.
Last week, Akpoti-Uduaghan also filed a ₦100.3 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpabio’s media aide, Patrick Mfon.
