PeakNews Online
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has dismissed a petition of sexual harassment filed by the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing procedural breaches and pending litigation.
The committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (Edo South), declared the petition “dead on arrival” during a probe hearing at the National Assembly on Wednesday. The ruling dealt a significant blow to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s bid to seek legislative intervention on allegations she had publicly levelled against the Senate President.
Petition Declared Invalid Over Senate Rules Violation
The petition, which had stirred widespread public attention, was dismissed on technical grounds following a review by the committee. Senator Imasuen explained that the petition failed to meet the procedural requirements stipulated by the Senate Standing Orders.
According to him, Order 40, Subsection 4 of the Senate rules prohibits any senator from personally signing a petition submitted to the Senate. Instead, such petitions must be endorsed by a third party.
“The petition that she (Natasha) presented today is actually dead on arrival; it runs contrary to Order 40, Subsection 4, which states that no senator may present to the Senate a petition signed by him or herself. Since that petition was signed by her, it will not be entertained by this committee,” Imasuen ruled.
The decision effectively invalidated the petition without consideration of its substantive claims, underlining the strict procedural guidelines that govern legislative petitions in the Senate.
Petition Linked to Allegations of Sexual Harassment
Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment in a petition that sparked heated reactions within and outside the National Assembly. The allegations, though not publicly detailed, were said to have stemmed from interactions between the two lawmakers.
However, the committee’s decision to dismiss the petition was based solely on procedural lapses, without delving into the allegations themselves.
Further complicating the case, Senator Imasuen noted that issues raised in the petition were already before the courts, rendering them subjudice. He stressed that the Senate would not entertain matters that were under judicial consideration, in line with parliamentary practice.
Akpoti-Uduaghan Absent at Probe Hearing
Despite the gravity of the allegations, Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to appear before the probe panel during the scheduled hearing.
The session, which was slated to begin at 2 pm, did not commence until 2:58 pm due to the absence of the petitioner. The committee chairman, who waited alongside other members, eventually proceeded in her absence.
Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu, who was also summoned to the hearing, arrived shortly before proceedings began. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s absence further weakened the case, as her non-appearance denied the committee an opportunity to hear her submissions firsthand.
Political Undercurrents and Public Reactions
The dismissal of the petition has generated mixed reactions, with some observers interpreting it as a technical manoeuvre to shield the Senate President from scrutiny. Others argue that the decision highlights the importance of adhering to parliamentary rules in the legislative process.
The case has also deepened the already tense political atmosphere between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio, with both lawmakers belonging to opposing political factions. Akpoti-Uduaghan, a vocal advocate for women’s rights, has previously accused powerful political figures of intimidation and gender-based discrimination.
Her supporters have condemned the Senate’s decision, calling it a deliberate attempt to silence her voice.
Committee Defends Ruling
Senator Imasuen defended the committee’s ruling, insisting that the decision was guided strictly by Senate rules and not political considerations.
“We are bound by the standing orders of the Senate, and any petition that does not comply with those rules cannot be entertained. This decision is not about the personality involved but about upholding the integrity of our legislative process,” he said.
The committee chairman urged the public to refrain from making unfounded insinuations and assured that the Senate remains committed to protecting the rights of all citizens within the confines of the law.
Next Steps and Legal Options
With the petition dismissed on procedural grounds, Akpoti-Uduaghan may now pursue her allegations through the judiciary, where legal options remain open. However, the setback highlights the uphill battle faced by lawmakers seeking redress within the parliamentary system.
The incident has also reignited calls for reforms in the handling of sexual harassment complaints within the National Assembly, with gender rights groups urging the Senate to adopt more transparent and victim-sensitive procedures.
As the controversy unfolds, the outcome of any legal challenge could have far-reaching implications for both the political careers of the lawmakers involved and the broader fight against gender-based harassment in Nigeria’s political landscape.
