The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has dismissed the sexual harassment and abuse of office petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, declaring it “dead on arrival.”
During a probe session on Wednesday, the committee cited procedural violations and legal constraints as reasons for the dismissal.
Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Committee, explained that Akpoti-Uduaghan had signed the petition herself, which violated Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders. According to the rule, petitions must be endorsed by another individual, making Akpoti-Uduaghan’s submission procedurally invalid.
Additionally, Senator Imasuen noted that the issues raised in the petition were already before the court, rendering them sub judice and beyond the Senate’s jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has denied the allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Akpoti-Uduaghan. On February 20, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, rejected her assigned seat in the Senate and challenged Akpabio’s order, accusing him of harassment. She also filed a N100 billion defamation suit against him, while the Senate, under Akpabio’s leadership, referred her to the Senate’s disciplinary committee.
In July 2024, Akpabio had apologized to Akpoti-Uduaghan for a comment he made about her at a nightclub.
During Wednesday’s session, when the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct commenced its probe into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged refusal to comply with Senate rules, the Kogi senator was absent. After waiting for an hour, Committee Chairman Senator Imasuen expressed disappointment over her absence, stating, “We waited, and unfortunately, she is not here. I hope that before we conclude this procedure, she will join us.”
Senator Imasuen reiterated that the committee was acting within its mandate and explained that “every petition is referred to us by the entire Senate, and the committee has the authority to deliberate on such matters.” He also confirmed that the issue had been brought before the committee by Senate Spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, on February 25, 2025.
Despite her absence, Senator Imasuen expressed hope that Akpoti-Uduaghan would present herself before the committee before the conclusion of the proceedings. He added that the Kogi senator had been properly notified of the meeting.
