Senate Committee Dismisses Natasha’s Petition Against Akpabio

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has dismissed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment and abuse of office petition against Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate.

The Committee, at its sitting on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, declared that the petition was dead on arrival, citing procedural violations and legal constraints.

Senator Neda Imasuen, the Chairman of the Committee, explained that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had signed the petition herself, contravening the provisions of Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders.

According to him, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan ought to have sought the help of another person to endorse the petition and, as such, has rendered the petition procedurally invalid.

Senator Imasuen added that the matters raised in the petition were already before the court, making them beyond the Senate’s jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, during the plenary on Wednesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio denied allegations of sexual harassment brought against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

He argued that there was no time he ever harassed any woman, as he was raised responsibly by his late single mother.

However, immediately after his remarks, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan raised a petition under Order 40, accusing the Senate President of sexual harassment and abuse of office.

She requested permission to step forward and formally lay the petition before the chamber. The Senate subsequently referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, directing it to review the matter as soon as practicable.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a defamation lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, demanding N1.3 billion in damages over alleged defamatory remarks.

In a twist of events, thousands of Pro-Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
protesters besieged the gate leading to the National Assembly Complex over allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

By Oluwaseyi Ajibade