Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has resubmitted a sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a recent Senate plenary session. This follows the dismissal of her initial petition by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, which had deemed it “dead on arrival” due to procedural issues and an ongoing court case involving Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ekaette Akpabio, the Senate President’s wife.
In her renewed effort, Akpoti-Uduaghan presented the petition on behalf of her constituents, led by Zubairu Yakubu, aiming to address the previous procedural concerns. During the session, Senate President Akpabio inquired about any legal impediments to accepting the petition, to which Akpoti-Uduaghan responded that there were none. Consequently, Akpabio directed her to formally lay the petition before the Senate. The petition was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen of Edo South, with instructions to report back within four weeks after legislative review.
This development adds to the ongoing tensions between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio. Recently, a confrontation occurred in the Senate chamber when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio. She arrived at the session to find her nameplate removed and her seat reassigned, prompting her to demand an explanation for what she perceived as an unjustified move.
These incidents highlight the escalating discord within the Senate, drawing attention to internal dynamics and procedural adherence in addressing allegations against high-ranking officials.
