THE Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has dismissed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office, declaring it “dead on arrival.”
The committee today, cited procedural violations and legal constraints as reasons for its decision.
During the probe session, Committee Chairman Senator Neda Imasuen referenced Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders, stating that Akpoti-Uduaghan had personally signed the petition instead of having it endorsed by another individual, rendering it procedurally invalid.
He also pointed out that the allegations were already before the court, making them sub judice and beyond the Senate’s jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, Akpabio has denied the allegations.
On February 20, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, refused to take her assigned seat in the red chamber and challenged the Senate President’s directive.
She accused Akpabio of harassment and filed a N100 billion defamation lawsuit against him, prompting the Senate, under Akpabio’s leadership, to refer her to the disciplinary committee.
In July 2024, Akpabio had previously apologized to Akpoti-Uduaghan over a controversial nightclub remark directed at her.
Today however, Akpoti-Uduaghan was absent as the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct began its investigation into her alleged failure to comply with Senate rules.
After waiting for an hour, Committee Chairman Senator Neda Imasuen expressed disappointment over her absence.
“We waited, and unfortunately, she is not here. I hope that before we conclude this procedure, she will join us,” he stated.
He emphasized that the committee was acting within its mandate, clarifying that “every petition is referred to us by the entire Senate, and we have the authority to deliberate on such matters. In this case, the issue was presented to us on February 25 by Senate Spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu—nothing more, nothing less.”
Despite her absence, Senator Imasuen remained hopeful that Akpoti-Uduaghan would appear before the committee before proceedings concluded, confirming that she had been duly notified of the meeting.