The Senate has stated that it cannot investigate the sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagha (PDP, Kogi Central), due to the absence of a formal petition.
Speaking on ARISE TV on Monday, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), emphasized that without an official petition, the Senate has no grounds to probe Akpabio.
The Senate Spokesman has stated that there is no formal petition from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagha before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for investigation.
In an interview with Arise Television, Senator Natasha alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio made inappropriate advances toward her during a visit to his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on December 8, 2023.
The Kogi Senator claimed that Akpabio held her hand, led her around his house, and made sexual advances toward her while her husband trailed behind them. She further alleged that on a separate occasion, Akpabio suggested that she “make him happy” if she wanted her motions to receive favorable consideration on the Senate floor.
The allegations surfaced days after the Senate unanimously referred Senator Natasha to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary review, following her standoff with Akpabio over sitting arrangements during plenary.
However, Akpabio has denied the allegations through his media consultant, Kenny Okulogbo. His wife, Ekaette Akpabio, also defended him, dismissing the claims as unfounded.
The Senate spokesman said, “The Senate does not conduct its affairs based on what is trending on social media. There must be a formal petition or a matter raised before the Senate before any investigation can take place.”
“There is presently no formal matter before the Senate regarding these allegations. The only issue before the Senate is Senator Natasha’s non-compliance with the standing orders.”
Addressing the controversy over the sitting arrangement, Senator Yemi Adaramodu stated that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagha must adhere to the Senate’s rules.
Referring to Order 6 of the Senate rules, which grants the Senate President the authority to assign seats to lawmakers, Adaramodu emphasized that all senators are required to speak from their designated seats, as any violation of this rule disrupts order in the chamber.
He also dismissed claims that the Senate President could intimidate colleagues by denying them recognition, stressing that all senators are equal within the chambers.
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