By Gideon Maxwell
March 6, 2025
In a significant development, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions has dismissed a petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The petition alleged sexual harassment, abuse of office, and obstruction of legislative duties. However, the committee ruled that the petition was procedurally flawed, as Akpoti-Uduaghan signed it herself, violating Senate Order 40(4), which prohibits senators from submitting personally signed petitions.
As a result, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months due to her alleged violation of Senate Standing Rules, which included bringing the presiding officer and the entire Senate into public disrepute.
The suspension was based on recommendations from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, and it includes penalties such as the withdrawal of her salary and security details, and the closure of her office during the suspension period.
Background of the allegations
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central had filed the petition following an alleged incident during a visit to Akpabio’s residence in Akwa Ibom on December 8, 2023.
The allegations included claims that Akpabio made unwelcome sexual advances, which he vehemently denied.
Akpabio emphasised his respect for women, citing his upbringing by a single mother and his past recognition for gender-friendly policies during his tenure as governor.
Procedural grounds for dismissal
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions based its decision on two key grounds:
Procedural Violation: Akpoti-Uduaghan personally signed the petition, which is against Senate rules.
According to Senate Order 40(4), a senator cannot submit a petition signed by themselves.
Sub Judice: The committee also noted that the matters were already before the court, making them sub judice.
This legal principle prevents discussion or action on matters that are currently under judicial consideration.
Following the dismissal, Akpoti-Uduaghan resubmitted the petition on behalf of her constituents.
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This move allowed her to comply with Senate procedures while still pursuing her allegations.
The resubmitted petition has been referred back to the Ethics Committee for further investigation with a four-week deadline to report back to the Senate.
Reactions and controversy
The dismissal and subsequent resubmission have sparked controversy, with some accusing the Senate of using procedural technicalities to avoid addressing the substance of the allegations.
Former Minister Oby Ezekwesili criticized the Senate’s handling of the matter, calling for a more transparent and fair process.
Implications and future developments
The ongoing saga highlights the challenges faced by women in positions of power when reporting sexual harassment.
It also underscores the need for clear, effective mechanisms within institutions to handle such allegations without resorting to procedural dismissals.
As the Senate continues to grapple with this issue, it remains to be seen how the resubmitted petition will be handled and whether it will lead to a more comprehensive investigation into the allegations.
The dismissal of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio on procedural grounds has ignited a broader debate about how institutions handle allegations of sexual harassment.
The resubmission of the petition sets the stage for further developments, as the Senate navigates the complexities of addressing serious allegations while adhering to its rules and procedures.
