Fresh Tensions as Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Revives Sexual Harassment Claims Against Akpabio

By MOHAMMED DANBABA

ABUJA – The controversy surrounding Senate President Godswill Akpabio and sexual harassment allegations resurfaced as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan resubmitted her petition against him during a plenary session. The petition, submitted on behalf of her constituents led by Zubairu Yakubu, has reignited debates within the Senate.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Resubmits Sexual Harassment Petition

During the plenary session, Senate President Akpabio questioned whether there were any legal grounds preventing the acceptance of the petition. In response, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan affirmed that no such barriers existed. Subsequently, at exactly 12:38 PM, Akpabio directed her to formally lay the petition before the Senate.

In accordance with legislative procedures, the petition was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South). The committee has been tasked with reviewing the petition and reporting back to the plenary within four weeks.

Previous Petition Rejected Over Legal Concerns

The resubmission follows a similar sexual harassment petition against Akpabio, which Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan initially presented the previous day. However, it was met with resistance and ultimately dismissed. The Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North), cited Senate Standing Order 40, arguing that the matter could not be entertained as it was sub judice due to an ongoing court case involving Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President.

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Monguno further asserted that the petition was invalid because Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan personally signed it, which, according to legislative rules, rendered it procedurally flawed. As a result, the Senate Ethics Committee declared the petition “dead on arrival.”

Tensions Escalate Between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio

This latest petition adds to the escalating political tensions between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio. Just last week, a dramatic confrontation took place in the Senate chamber when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the sudden reassignment of her seat by Akpabio. Upon arriving at the session, she discovered that her nameplate had been removed, and her seat had been reassigned without prior notice.

The move sparked outrage, with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan vocally challenging the decision, arguing that it was a deliberate attempt to undermine her position. The situation heightened political drama within the Senate, further exposing divisions within the legislative body.

Implications of the Petition and Next Steps

With the latest sexual harassment petition against Senate President Akpabio now officially in the hands of the Senate Committee on Ethics, many Nigerians are watching closely to see how the investigation unfolds. If the committee finds merit in the allegations, it could lead to further scrutiny of Akpabio’s conduct and potential legal or disciplinary actions.

However, given the previous dismissal of the petition and the strong support Akpabio enjoys within the Senate, political analysts suggest that the petition may face significant hurdles before any substantive action is taken. Some opposition lawmakers and civil society groups have called for an impartial investigation, urging the Senate to uphold transparency and accountability.

Reactions from Political Stakeholders

Reactions to the petition have been mixed, with some lawmakers rallying behind Akpoti-Uduaghan, while others have dismissed her claims as a political attack against Akpabio. Supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan insist that her allegations must be taken seriously, emphasizing the need for the Senate to uphold justice and due process.

Meanwhile, Akpabio’s supporters argue that the allegations are baseless, pointing to his past record and the lack of concrete evidence. Some pro-Akpabio lawmakers have even called for disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of attempting to tarnish the image of the Senate President.

Public Outcry and Advocacy for Justice

The issue has also sparked public outcry, with many Nigerians taking to social media to demand accountability and a fair investigation. Human rights organizations and women’s advocacy groups have weighed in, urging the Senate to handle the case with transparency and seriousness.

As the Senate Committee on Ethics begins its review process, the nation waits to see whether this sexual harassment petition against Senate President Akpabio will lead to meaningful action or become yet another political controversy swept under the carpet.

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