This post has already been read 2411 times!

At a stormy Wednesday’s Senate plenary, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan formally filed a sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Speaking under Order 40 of the Senate Rules, Akpoti-Uduaghan highlighted that she had previously raised these allegations during a televised interview but was now presenting them officially to the Senate.

Senate President Akpabio acknowledged her statement and directed her to proceed with the submission.

The petition submission stirred tensions at the National Assembly earlier in the day, with rival protest groups clashing. While one faction demanded Akpabio’s resignation, his supporters dismissed the accusations.

Debate over Petition’s Referral to Ethics Committee

However, the petition’s progress hit a procedural roadblock. Senate Chief Whip Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North) argued that, as the matter was sub judice, involving an ongoing legal case between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, it could not be referred to the Senate Ethics Committee.

Citing Order 40, Monguno stated that the petition could not proceed as it was personally signed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) supported Monguno’s position and suggested holding a closed-door session to deliberate further.

Despite this, Senate President Akpabio decided to move on to other scheduled business, noting the presence of visitors in the gallery.

ABUJA BUSINESS REPORTS NEWSPAPER & MAGAZINE