By DGR8Z News Desk
In a dramatic session on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, the Nigerian Senate rejected a sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing procedural violations and legal constraints.
The petition, which Akpoti personally signed and submitted, was initially accepted by Akpabio but later faced strong opposition from senators, leading to its dismissal.
Procedural Battle: Why the Petition Was Rejected
Shortly after Akpoti presented her petition, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Munguno raised an objection, invoking Order 40(4) to argue that Senate rules prohibit discussing matters pending in court.
“We must stamp our feet in defense of Senate rules. Any deviation could lead to chaos and anarchy,” Munguno warned.
Furthermore, he pointed out that Senate regulations bar a senator from personally signing and submitting their own petition, rendering Akpoti’s submission invalid under parliamentary procedure.
Akpoti Fights Back
Refusing to back down, Senator Natasha Akpoti insisted that her court case was unrelated to sexual harassment but rather focused on malicious comments about her dressing. She invoked Order 10, which allows a senator to rise and speak at any time, and demanded her petition be considered.
Her argument, however, was met with resistance.
Senate Leadership Takes a Firm Stance
Former Senate Leader Abdullahi Adamu attempted to strike a compromise, suggesting that the matter be referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.
However, the Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, firmly opposed this, reiterating that:
- Senate rules must be upheld
- A senator cannot sign their own petition
- The case was already in court, making it sub judice
Adding another twist, Bamidele noted that Senate President Akpabio’s wife had already taken legal action on the matter, reinforcing the position that the Senate could not entertain the petition.
“Mr. President, I sympathize with you as a man being accused of sexual harassment. But we are guided by three things: The Constitution, the Rule Book, and the Senate’s guiding principles—not emotions,” Bamidele stated, subtly criticizing Akpabio’s decision to accept the petition initially.
Akpabio’s Response: A Public Perception Dilemma
Defending his decision to initially accept the petition, Akpabio explained that he wanted to avoid the perception of silencing Akpoti, given his direct involvement in the matter.
“I didn’t want the public—who may not understand Senate rules—to think that I am deliberately silencing her because I am involved,” Akpabio said.
As tensions escalated, a motion for a closed-door session was proposed but ultimately rejected. The Senate upheld Bamidele’s argument, officially rejecting the petition.
What’s Next?
With the petition dismissed on procedural grounds, attention now shifts to the ongoing court case and the broader implications of this political showdown.
Stay with IDNN.COM.NG for updates on this unfolding story.
