The Nigerian Senate has received a petition from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, alleging that Senate President Godswill Akpabio sexually harassed her.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan submitted the petition during Wednesday’s plenary session, citing Senate Rule 40.
She stated that after making comments on Arise TV regarding the alleged harassment, she decided to formally present the matter before the Senate.
SaharaReporters previously reported that Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s husband, had intervened in the ongoing dispute between his wife and Akpabio.
The disagreement, initially sparked by seating arrangements in the Senate, escalated into a major controversy following her allegations.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan further claimed that Akpabio blocked her motions from being heard on the Senate floor because she had rejected his sexual advances.
However, SaharaReporters also noted that Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs (APC, Ekiti South), stated there was no formal petition before the Senate regarding the allegations.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Monday, Adaramodu dismissed the claims as “a storm in a teacup” and insisted that all senators, including Akpoti-Uduaghan, must adhere to Senate rules in both their conduct and statements.
He had emphasised that the Senate does not respond to media reports or social media discussions but operates strictly within parliamentary procedures.
“The Senate does not conduct its affairs based on social media trends. A formal petition or a matter raised on the Senate floor is required before any investigation can take place,” Adaramodu said.
Addressing the seating arrangement controversy that allegedly contributed to the dispute, he noted that Senate rules empower the Senate President to assign seats to lawmakers. He stressed that violating these rules disrupts order in the chamber.
Adaramodu also dismissed calls from former Senate President Bukola Saraki urging Akpabio to submit to an open investigation, stating that no official evidence of misconduct had been presented before the Senate.
Source: SaharaReporters