The Senate has declared a petition of alleged sexual harassment against its President, Godswill Akpabio, as “dead on arrival”.
The Senator representing Kogi Central in the national assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, submitted the petition at senate plenary on Wednesday.
Natasha had accused Akpabio of persistent sexual advances. She claimed that Akpabio’s hostility toward her stems from her refusal to entertain them.
“My refusal to yield to his consistent advances, both within and outside the country, is the reason behind the victimisation I face in the Senate. It all started on the 8th of December 2023, which was a day before his birthday and my birthday; we are birthday mates”, Natasha alleged.
While the Senate referred the petition to its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct for further investigation, Chairman of the Committee, Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), noted that the petition breached Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders.
Speaking during an opening session of the probe Committee, Imasuen faulted Natasha for signing the petition herself instead of having it endorsed by another individual.
He also noted that the issues raised in the petition were already in court, making them subjudice.
Declaring the petition invalid, Senator Imasuen said Natasha’s petition was “dead on arrival”.
Wednesday’s Committee meeting centred on the disciplinary investigation of Natasha over her conduct during the plenary on February 20.
The Senate had erupted in uproar during plenary on 20th February, as dispute over seating arrangements led to a heated exchange between Natasha and Akpabio. The commotion began after the Kogi Senator voiced her displeasure at the change of her seat.
Following the development, the Senate referred Natasha to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions for disciplinary action over her conduct.
However, the Kogi Central Senator was absent at Wednesday’s probe panel.
On Tuesday, the Federal High Court, Abuja, restrained the committee from conducting disciplinary proceedings against Natasha. Justice Obiora Egwuatu gave the order following an ex parte application filed by Natasha through her legal team.
