Sexual harassment: Senate dismisses Natasha’s petition, Kogi senator shuns panel
On Wednesday, the Senate rejected the sexual harassment petition submitted by Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, labeling it as 'dead on arrival.'
The upper chamber characterized her actions as a breach of the Senate Standing Rules.
This development occurred as Akpoti-Uduaghan declined to engage with the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which was reviewing her conflict with Akpabio regarding seating arrangements in the Senate.
In an interview with Arise Television, the Kogi senator accused Akpabio of making inappropriate sexual advances during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom on December 8, 2023.
She claimed that Akpabio took her hand, guided her through his home, and made sexual overtures while her husband followed behind them.
Additionally, she asserted that on another occasion, Akpabio requested that she 'make him happy' if she desired her motions to be favorably considered on the Senate floor.
These allegations surfaced shortly after the Senate voted unanimously to refer her to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for her protests against the new seating arrangements in the chamber.
The Senate President refuted the allegations of sexual harassment during the plenary session on Wednesday, asserting his utmost respect for women. He characterized the claims as unfounded and without merit.
“On February 20, 2025, various unfounded accusations circulated on social media and television regarding alleged harassment by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. While I acknowledge that these matters are currently before the court, I want to make it unequivocally clear that I have never engaged in any form of sexual harassment.
“I was raised alongside my siblings by my late single mother, who faced numerous challenges until her passing in 2000. Consequently, I hold women in the highest esteem.
“Furthermore, I am the father of four wonderful daughters, and I would never consider harassing any woman. I have never done so. Additionally, during my tenure as a State governor, I received several accolades, including the title of 'The Most Gender-Friendly Governor' in Nigeria, a position I held from 2007 to 2015. In closing, I urge all Nigerians, especially the media and social media users, to await the court's ruling and refrain from making premature judgments regarding these allegations,” he implored.
Following the start of the plenary, Akpoti-Uduaghan officially submitted a petition to the Senate, which was subsequently referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions by Akpabio.
The Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Monguno, deemed her actions a breach of the Senate Standing Rules.
Referencing Rules 40 (1-7), he remarked, “A petition may only be presented to the Senate by a Senator, who must affix their name at the beginning.
“A Senator presenting a petition should limit their remarks to a concise statement regarding the parties involved, the number of signatures, and the key allegations, as well as read the requests contained within the petition.
“All petitions shall be ordered to lie upon the Table without further questioning. Such petitions shall be referred to the Public Petitions Committee.”
No Senator is permitted to submit a petition to the Senate that is signed solely by themselves.
The Senate must refrain from considering or accommodating any issues that are currently under judicial review.
In support of this stance, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti), expressed that the Senate would set a detrimental precedent if it proceeded to address Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition.
In agreement, Akpabio remarked, “Senator Mongunu, who has served for 16 years in the House of Representatives and held the position of Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters, has provided pertinent insights. For those who may have uncertainties, I encourage you to consult the Clerk for the Senate's Standing Orders and review Rule 40, subsections 4 and 7.
Nevertheless, the petitioner interrupted, raising a point of privilege.
“I contend, sir, that your refusal to acknowledge and process my petition before the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges constitutes an infringement of my privileges, and I assert that this matter is not currently before any court of law.
“The issue at hand in the court pertains to defamatory and cyberbullying remarks made by your Special Assistant on New Media, Mr. Patrick Udom, who referred to my respectable attire as transparent, implying that I appeared seductively and nearly naked in the chambers. This is the essence of the petition and the case in court.
“This petition (holding up a copy) has not been submitted. The allegations, or rather accusations, against you regarding sexual harassment, misuse of your office, and deliberate hindrances to my legislative duties have not been presented in any court in Nigeria.
“Therefore, sir, I would be grateful if you would kindly accept my petition and forward it to the Ethics and Privileges Committee for consideration,” she stated.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Neda Imasuen, subsequently rejected her petition, labeling it as unworthy of consideration.
The chair of the Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions Committee has also rejected the order issued by a Federal High Court in Abuja, which sought to prevent the Senate from imposing any disciplinary actions on the senator from Kogi.
He made these remarks during the inaugural session of the committee on Wednesday.
Notably, Akpoti-Uduaghan was not present, and no representative spoke on her behalf.
He indicated that due to Akpoti-Uduaghan's ongoing sexual harassment lawsuit against Akpabio, the committee was unable to consider her petition regarding the matter.
The committee chair suggested that the absence of the Kogi Central Senator might have been influenced by advice from her legal counsel.
He emphasized that the judiciary should not interfere with legislative matters, asserting that the court order obtained by Akpoti-Uduaghan does not hold authority over the committee.
Imasuen stated, “During the Senate plenary, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan submitted a petition.
“There were numerous objections raised concerning the petition's submission. Nevertheless, the Senate President deemed it appropriate to refer it to our committee.
“To expedite our reporting back to the Senate today, I will address the petition. However, I will adhere to our established rules and standing orders. The allegations presented in the petition are already subject to legal proceedings.”
He further explained, “Since the matter is currently in court, our committee's protocol dictates that we first ascertain whether a petition is under judicial consideration.
“If the response is affirmative, we refrain from addressing such petitions. Furthermore, our Rule Book, specifically Order 40, outlines the necessary procedures for petition submissions. Notably, Order 40, subsection 4, stipulates that no Senator may submit a petition signed solely by themselves.”
I am unable to submit a petition regarding my own case, as it must be presented by another Senator. I am confident that there are three Senators representing Kogi State, similar to other states.
The matter we are addressing today pertains to the alleged misconduct of one of our esteemed Senators within the Senate chamber.
The petition she submitted today is effectively invalid. This is due to its violation of Order 40, Subsection 4, which prohibits any Senator from presenting a petition that they have signed themselves. Consequently, since this petition bears her signature, it will not be considered by this committee.
Expressing his dissatisfaction with the absence of the Kogi lawmaker, Imasuen remarked, “Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was officially invited to this hearing. We have been awaiting her presence, but regrettably, she is not here. I hope she will join us before we conclude this process.
“Every petition is referred to us by the entire Senate, and our Committee possesses the authority to deliberate on such issues. In this instance, the matter was brought to our attention on February 25 by Senate Spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, and nothing more.
“The court order is regrettable. We have the responsibility to convene and address issues impacting the Senate, which is precisely our purpose here,” he added.
He continued, “Her absence is noted. I can surmise the reason for her absence; it is likely due to her lawyers' advice.
“In light of this, the committee will proceed with our discussions based on the information provided by distinguished Senators who have presented their cases to us.
“We will refer to our rule books and all relevant documents at our disposal to reach a decision and subsequently make a referral to the full Senate.”
Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), and Titus Zam (APC, Benue North-West) also took the opportunity to provide testimony against Senator Natasha.
In his address to the committee, Mr. Muktar Daudawa, the Head of the Serjeant-At-Arms in the chamber, clarified that the matter of seat reallocation
