Senate dismisses Kogi lawmaker Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio for violating standing rules.
Ongoning in Nigeria’s National Assembly, the Senate dismissed a sexual harassment petition filed by Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The petition, which contained serious allegations of inappropriate conduct, was declared “dead on arrival” by the committee responsible for its review. This decision has sparked intense debates among lawmakers and the public, highlighting the Senate’s strict adherence to its internal rules and procedures.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had raised significant accusations against her colleague during an interview on Arise Television. She claimed that on December 8, 2023, during a visit to Akpabio’s residence in his home state of Akwa Ibom, the Senate President made unwanted sexual advances towards her. According to her, Akpabio not only held her hand and led her around his home, but he also suggested that she should “make him happy” in order to receive favorable treatment for her motions on the Senate floor. These allegations surfaced just days after the Senate had unanimously referred her matter to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions in response to her protests over new seating arrangements in the chamber.
During a Senate plenary session, Senate President Akpabio strongly denied the allegations. He maintained that he has the utmost respect for women—a value deeply rooted in his upbringing by his late single mother—and emphasized that as a father of four daughters, he would never engage in any form of sexual harassment. Akpabio also highlighted his previous recognition as “the most gender-friendly governor” during his tenure from 2007 to 2015, using his past record as evidence of his commitment to respectful behavior. Shortly after his denial, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan formally submitted her petition to the Senate.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Files Sexual Harassment Petition Against Senate President Akpabio
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has officially submitted a sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, setting off intense debates both in the National Assembly and across Nigeria. The senator, who represents Kogi Central, raised the matter during plenary on Wednesday, citing Order 40 of the Senate Rules. She had previously made the allegations during an interview on Arise TV but decided to formally bring the issue before her colleagues. In response, Akpabio allowed her to submit the petition, which was immediately referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for further review.
Her actions, however, were immediately met with criticism from other Senate members. Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno pointed out that her petition violated the Senate Standing Rules, specifically citing Rules 40 (1-7). These rules clearly state that a petition must be presented by another Senator—not by the individual making the complaint—and that the Senate should not entertain matters that are already pending in court. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele echoed these concerns, warning that accepting such a petition would set a dangerous precedent for the institution.
The petition was referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for further review. Committee Chairman Neda Imasuen ultimately dismissed the petition as “dead on arrival.” He explained that since Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had already initiated a sexual harassment case in court against Akpabio, the committee was not in a position to consider her petition again. Imasuen stressed that the existence of an ongoing court case meant the Senate’s internal processes could not intervene in a matter already being handled by the judiciary.
Despite the committee’s dismissal of the sexual harassment petition, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan defended her right to seek redress. She argued that the Senate’s refusal to address her petition amounted to an abuse of her privileges. She contended that the issue she raised was separate from the court case, which also involved allegations of defamation and cyberbullying against her Special Assistant on New Media. Her legal team had served an order detailing the complaints against Akpabio, emphasizing that her petition was a serious claim that warranted thorough examination rather than an attempt to bypass proper legal procedures.
Outside the National Assembly, the controversy has spilled into the public arena. Few days ago, Pro-Natasha protesters gathered peacefully at the National Assembly gate, holding banners demanding the immediate resignation of Senate President Akpabio. The slogans, including calls such as “Akpabio must resign now” and “Leave Natasha for her husband,” reflected the public’s deep emotions over the case. Despite the passionate display, security agencies prevented the protesters from entering the complex, further intensifying the public debate.
Related: Akpabio Denies Sexual Harassment Allegations as Senate Tension Rises
Adding to the complexity of the issue, a group known as the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders released an open letter addressed to the Senate President. In the letter, the stakeholders expressed disappointment over the ongoing dispute and condemned the public airing of personal grievances. They argued that such actions only serve to divide the institution and tarnish its reputation. The stakeholders called on both parties to resolve their differences privately and to focus on upholding the standards and integrity of the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, a related judicial development has further heightened the situation. A Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order to the National Assembly, giving the Senate a 72-hour ultimatum to explain why it should not be restrained from investigating the allegations against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The court also directed the Senate Committee on Ethics to halt any disciplinary measures against her until a full judicial review could be conducted.
Related: BREAKING! Pro-Natasha Protesters Demand Akpabio’s Resignation
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