The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges dismissed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing procedural violations and legal constraints. The committee ruled the petition "dead on arrival," as it was personally signed by Akpoti-Uduaghan and involved matters already under judicial review.
The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges has dismissed a petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The petition, which alleged sexual harassment, was ruled inadmissible due to procedural violations and legal constraints.
During a session on the Senate floor, Akpoti-Uduaghan personally presented and signed the petition, a move that committee chairman Neda Imasuen declared invalid. He referenced Senate Standing Order 40, which prohibits lawmakers from filing petitions on their behalf. "This petition is dead on arrival," Imasuen stated, emphasizing that such documents require third-party endorsement.
Further complicating the case, the committee ruled that the allegations were already under judicial review, making them sub judice and beyond legislative intervention. A federal high court had previously issued an order restricting the committee from proceeding with disciplinary action on the matter.
Testimonies from key figures, including Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu and rules committee chairman Titus Zam, argued against the petition's validity. The sergeant-at-arms also provided input that reinforced the committee’s decision.
The dismissal of the petition has sparked political debate, with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters questioning the Senate’s commitment to addressing serious allegations. However, Akpabio’s allies maintain that due process was followed and that legal limitations justified the committee’s decision.
With the matter now tied up in court, the controversy surrounding the case continues to unfold, raising broader discussions about legislative ethics and accountability in Nigeria’s political sphere.
