Kogi Resident Endorses Akpoti-Uduaghan’s S3xual Harassment Petition Against Senate President Akpabio

Kogi Resident Endorses Akpoti-Uduaghan’s S3xual Harassment Petition Against Senate President Akpabio

Suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, resubmitted a s3xual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Thursday, just moments before her controversial suspension from the Senate……READ MORE

The petition, signed by Zubairu Yaqubu, a concerned citizen from Kogi Central Senatorial District, accuses Mr. Akpabio of s3xual harassment, abuse of office, and obstruction of legislative duties.

Initial Rejection Due to Procedural Issues

Akpoti-Uduaghan initially submitted the petition on Wednesday, but the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions dismissed it due to procedural violations. Committee Chairman Neda Imasuen explained that Senate Order 40(4) prohibits senators from signing petitions they personally submit.

This dismissal sparked public outcry, with many Nigerians demanding Mr. Akpabio’s resignation to ensure accountability. Critics suggested that the rejection signaled an attempt to shield the Senate president rather than uphold justice.

Resubmission and Immediate Suspension

In response to the rejection, Akpoti-Uduaghan resubmitted the petition on Thursday, this time in compliance with Senate regulations by having it signed by a constituent. Shortly after, she was suspended for six months over an alleged violation of Senate Standing Rules during a dispute over seating arrangements. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele clarified that her suspension was unrelated to the harassment allegations against Mr. Akpabio.

Senate Acceptance of the Petition

Despite her suspension, the Senate accepted the petition, with Akpabio, who presided over the session, inquiring whether there were any legal impediments to its submission. After Akpoti-Uduaghan affirmed there were none, he permitted the petition to be laid before the Senate and referred it to the Ethics Committee for review, with a directive to report back within four weeks.

Legal Implications and Prior Allegations

Reports indicate that the case was already in court when Akpoti-Uduaghan resubmitted her petition. On March 1, Ekaette Akpabio, the Senate president’s wife, filed two defamation lawsuits against Akpoti-Uduaghan, demanding a total of N350 billion in damages. It remains unclear whether Akpoti-Uduaghan was aware of the lawsuits at the time of her petition submission.

Mr. Akpabio has denied all allegations, maintaining that he has never engaged in s3xual harassment. This is not the first time Akpoti-Uduaghan has made such claims against public figures. In 2021, she accused former presidential aide Reno Omokri of misconduct, an allegation he denied, offering proof that he was not in Nigeria at the time. She has also previously accused an unnamed minister of s3xual assault.

Additionally, in 2020, Joy Nunieh, a former acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), accused Akpabio of similar misconduct, claims he also denied.

Potential Consequences

The Senate Ethics Committee is expected to review the petition and invite all involved parties for questioning. However, if it confirms that the matter was already in court at the time of submission, the petition may be dismissed based on Senate rules. If it is established that Akpoti-Uduaghan knowingly provided false information regarding the legal status of the case, it could damage her credibility and provide Mr. Akpabio’s supporters with grounds to discredit her allegations.

The outcome of the committee’s deliberations will determine the next steps in this ongoing controversy.