The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has dismissed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment and abuse of office petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, declaring it “dead on arrival”.
The committee on Wednesday cited procedural violations and legal constraints
During the probe session, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Neda Imasuen, cited Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders, explaining that Akpoti-Uduaghan signed the petition herself rather than having it endorsed by another individual, thereby rendering it procedurally invalid.
Additionally, he noted that the matters raised in the petition were already before the court, making them sub judice and beyond the Senate’s jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, Akpabio has denied the sexual harassment allegations against him by the Kogi lawmaker.
On February 20, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, rejected her assigned seat in the red chamber and challenged the Senate President’s order.
The female senator accused the senate president of harassment and slammed a N100bn alleged defamation suit against him while the Akpabio-led upper legislative chamber has referred her to the senate disciplinary committee
In July 2024, Akpabio apologised to Akpoti-Uduaghan over his nightclub comment against the female lawmaker.
