Akpabio has denied the allegations of sexual harassment made by the senator from Kogi
Senate Committee Throws Out Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Petition Against Akpabio
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has dismissed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition alleging sexual harassment and abuse of office against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, labeling it as “dead on arrival.”
During the committee’s session on Wednesday, the Chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, cited procedural violations and legal constraints as the reasons for the dismissal. He pointed out that Akpoti-Uduaghan signed the petition herself, rather than having it endorsed by another individual, which rendered it procedurally invalid according to Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders. Furthermore, he noted that the issues raised in the petition are currently before the courts, making them sub judice and beyond the Senate’s jurisdiction.
Akpabio has denied the allegations of sexual harassment made by the senator from Kogi. On February 20, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents the Kogi Central Senatorial District, rejected her assigned seat in the Senate and challenged the Senate President’s authority. She has accused him of harassment and filed a N100 billion defamation suit against him, while the Akpabio-led legislative chamber has referred her case to the Senate disciplinary committee. In July 2024, Akpabio apologized to Akpoti-Uduaghan for a comment he made about her during a nightclub incident.
Akpoti-Uduaghan Misses Senate Committee Hearing
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan was absent when the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct began its investigation into her alleged noncompliance with Senate rules. After waiting for an hour, Committee Chairman Senator Neda Imasuen expressed his disappointment at her absence, stating, “We waited, and unfortunately, she is not here. I hope that before we conclude this procedure, she will join us.”
He clarified that the committee was acting within its authority, explaining that “every petition is referred to us by the entire Senate, and the committee has the power to deliberate on such matters. In this case, the issue was brought before us on February 25 by Senate Spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu—nothing more, nothing less.” Despite her absence, Senator Imasuen reiterated his hope that the Kogi senator would appear before the committee before the conclusion of the proceedings, noting that she had been properly notified of the meeting.
