LISTEN TO THIS THE AFRICANA VOICE ARTICLE NOW
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
A petition filed against Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, alleging sexual harassment, has been dismissed by the Senate’s ethics committee due to procedural violations and legal constraints.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who lodged the complaint, claimed that Akpabio had made inappropriate advances towards her during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom state on December 8, 2023. She also alleged that he had hinted she should “take care of him” if she wanted her motions to receive favorable consideration in the Senate.
Speaking to Arise Television on Friday, Uduaghan compared Akpabio’s behavior to that of a university lecturer who persistently fails a student for rejecting his advances.
However, Akpabio has denied all allegations.
“At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised very well by my late single mother, and I have always upheld respect for women. I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria,” he stated.
The ethics committee, led by Senator Neda Imasuen, ruled that the petition was inadmissible because it did not follow Senate procedure.
“The petition runs contrary to Senate rules and cannot be entertained,” Imasuen said, explaining that Uduaghan had signed it herself instead of having it endorsed by another individual, as required.
The controversy has sparked widespread debate in Nigeria, with many calling for an independent investigation. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki weighed in, stating on social media that the allegations were too serious to be ignored.
The issue also led to protests on Wednesday at the National Assembly in Abuja, where two opposing groups gathered—one demanding Akpabio’s resignation and the other expressing support for him.
Uduaghan formally submitted the petition during Wednesday’s plenary session, with Akpabio himself allowing its presentation.
Before becoming Senate President less than two years ago, Akpabio served as governor of Akwa Ibom state for eight years and later as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
LEAVE A COMMENT
You must be logged in to post a comment.