Senate Won’t Probe Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Allegations – Akpabio’s Aide Drops Bombshell

The media adviser to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Eseme Eyiboh, has stated that the Senate cannot launch an investigation into the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio, as no formal complaint has been submitted to the National Assembly.……..READ MORE 

In an interview with TVC News on Sunday, Eyiboh emphasized that Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has not filed an official petition with the Senate, police, or any legal authority regarding the alleged misconduct.

“There is no petition, whether to the police, the court, or the Senate, concerning sexual harassment. This is simply an individual exercising their right to public communication and freedom of expression,” he stated.

Ireporter reports that Eyiboh dismissed calls for an inquiry, asserting that an investigation could only proceed if a formal complaint were submitted.

On Friday, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Akpabio of making sexual advances toward her both in his office and at his residence in Akwa Ibom State.

The allegation triggered widespread reactions, leading Akpabio’s wife, Ekaette Akpabio, to file a lawsuit against Akpoti-Uduaghan. Several political figures have since called for an investigation into the claims.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki advised the 10th Senate leadership to follow the precedent set during his tenure when he was accused of importing an official car without paying customs duty. However, Eyiboh dismissed the comparison, arguing that Saraki’s case was an administrative issue, whereas Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations remain unsubstantiated.

“What Bukola Saraki said is irrelevant in this case,” Eyiboh argued. “She made the claim on a public television platform—someone else could have made a similar allegation in Wuse Market. Should the institution investigate every such claim?”

Eyiboh insisted that without a formal complainant, there was no legal basis for an investigation.

“In Saraki’s case, there was an official petition regarding the car issue. In this instance, there is no petition anywhere regarding sexual harassment. So, on what grounds would the Senate initiate an inquiry? Who is the complainant?” he concluded.