Senate President Godswill Akpabio has publicly addressed allegations of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, firmly denying any such conduct occurred.
“At no time did I ever attempt any sexual harassment,” Akpabio stated, emphasizing his respect for women, citing his upbringing by a single mother and noting that he has four daughters. He also referenced receiving a “most gender-friendly governor” award during his 2007-2015 tenure.
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition against Akpabio. The committee’s decision came amid controversy over procedural matters.
The situation began when Akpoti-Uduaghan presented a petition at a plenary session attended by a delegation of UK parliamentarians led by Kate Ofunne Osamor. Senate leadership, including Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, attempted to convince Akpabio to reverse his decision to allow investigation, citing Senate rules that prohibit senators from personally submitting petitions about themselves.
Despite these objections, Akpabio insisted the investigation proceed and refused calls for a closed session, citing the presence of international observers.
Earlier Wednesday, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued an interim injunction ordering the National Assembly, Senate, and Ethics Committee to suspend their hearing. Justice Obiora Egwuatu directed the defendants to show cause within 72 hours as to why an interlocutory injunction shouldn’t be granted.
The committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, proceeded with the hearing despite the court order. Imasuen declared that “the judiciary, a different arm of government, could not interfere in the affairs of the legislature,” asserting the court order was not binding on the committee.
During the hearing, Senate spokesperson Adeyemi Adaramodu claimed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s media interviews had damaged the Senate’s reputation. Senator Titus Zam rejected claims that Akpabio was frustrating Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legislative initiatives because of her alleged refusal of his advances.
Sergeant-at-Arms Muktar Daudawa testified that seat reallocationโone of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaintsโwas routine procedure affecting multiple senators.
Imasuen ultimately ruled that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition was “dead on arrival” because it violated Senate Order 40, Subsection 4, which prohibits senators from presenting petitions signed by themselves.
Meanwhile, a group identifying themselves as Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders apologized to Akpabio and distanced themselves from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions.
Supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan who attempted to protest near the National Assembly were dispersed with tear gas by unidentified security personnel as they gathered at the arcade opposite Eagle Square.
In a separate matter, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, through his media office, clarified that Senator Cyril Fasuyi’s comments referred to allegations about the Ajaokuta Steel Company, not sexual misconduct.
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