Senate Erupts in Chaos as Akpabio Denies Sexual Harassment Allegations
Senate Erupts in Chaos as Akpabio Denies Sexual Harassment Allegations
Rowdy Senate Session as Akpabio Denies Sexual Harassment Allegations
● Court Halts Disciplinary Action Against Kogi Central Senator
● Ethics Committee Dismisses Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Petition Over Procedural Breaches
● ‘Fasuyi Did Not Link Fayemi to Allegations of Sexual Misconduct’
A group known as Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders has distanced itself from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over her alleged unprovoked attacks on Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The group apologized to Akpabio on behalf of the people of Kogi Central and warned that if her actions persist, they may initiate a recall process against her.
In a statement, the stakeholders criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s stance, asserting that it does not align with the values of Kogi Central. “We are known for gratitude, loyalty, and fidelity to friendship. We, therefore, condemn her utterances and actions against Akpabio, which do not represent us,” the group stated.
They urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to focus on her legislative duties and avoid actions that could disrupt Senate harmony. The group also called on the Senate to continue disciplinary measures against her, warning that any further missteps might prompt them to commence the recall process.
In an open letter signed by their convener, AbdulRaheem Adeku, the stakeholders highlighted the cordial relationship between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan’s family. The letter recalled Akpabio’s role in her political journey, including his support during her legal battles and his presence at her wedding to Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan.
Adeku noted that Akpabio played a role in her political rise, even nominating Senator Abubakar Ohere as chairman of the Committee on Local Content—an appointment that ultimately paved the way for Akpoti-Uduaghan to occupy the position after her court victory.
Senate Investigates Sexual Harassment Allegations Amid Tensions
Meanwhile, the Senate yesterday began investigating the sexual harassment allegations leveled against Akpabio in the presence of visiting UK Parliament members.
The proceedings were chaotic, with a delegation from the United Kingdom, led by MP Kate Osamor, observing the heated exchanges. Other delegation members included Rt. Hon. David Mundell, Dame Karen Buck, Lord Jonathan Oates, Dr. Beccy Cooper, and Rt. Hon. Fred Thomas.
During the plenary, Akpoti-Uduaghan submitted a petition calling for an investigation into her allegations against Akpabio. However, the Senate President referred the petition to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, sparking a heated debate.
Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno argued that the petition should be dismissed, citing Order 40 of the Senate Standing Rules, which prohibits discussing matters already before the courts. He also noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan violated Senate rules by personally signing the petition instead of submitting it through another senator.
Former Senate Majority Leader Abubakar Abdullahi countered, insisting that since the petition had been accepted, the committee should be allowed to deliberate on it objectively.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele expressed concerns about Akpabio’s handling of the proceedings, accusing him of allowing emotions to influence his decisions. He maintained that the petition should not have been accepted due to procedural flaws.
Amid the rowdiness, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of attempting to suppress her fundamental rights, citing Order 10 of the Senate rules. She claimed the Senate President was mobilizing senators to block her from presenting her petition.
Akpabio, however, dismissed the allegations as baseless. “At no time did I ever attempt any sexual harassment. This is a total lie,” he declared, emphasizing his respect for women and citing the numerous awards he has received for gender advocacy.
He urged Nigerians and the media to await the court’s decision before drawing conclusions, stating, “Do not jump to conclusions over mere allegations.”
Ethics Committee Dismisses Petition Over Procedural Breaches
The Senate Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions Committee declined to entertain Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition, citing procedural violations.
Committee Chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, explained that under Order 40(4) of the Senate Rule Book, a senator cannot submit a petition signed by themselves—it must be presented through another senator. This procedural breach rendered the petition invalid.
Additionally, the committee noted that the matter is currently before the courts, making it ineligible for legislative consideration under Senate protocols, which prohibit deliberation on judicially active cases.
A legal notice from M.J. Numa and Partners also sought to restrain the committee from hearing the petition. However, the committee clarified that while the Senate has autonomy over its internal affairs, the petition was dismissed purely on procedural grounds.
Senator Imasuen expressed disappointment over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s absence at the committee’s session, especially since she had been present during plenary. He suggested that her absence might have been due to legal advice.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to upholding Senate regulations, maintaining decorum, and ensuring that all proceedings align with Senate rules.
Court Blocks Senate Disciplinary Action Against Akpoti-Uduaghan
In a legal twist, the Federal High Court in Abuja restrained the Senate Ethics Committee from taking disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted the order after hearing an ex parte application filed by the senator’s legal team. The suit argued that any action taken by the committee while her case was pending in court would be “null, void, and of no effect.”
The judge ordered the defendants—including the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, the Senate President, and the Ethics Committee Chairman—to appear within 72 hours to explain why a full interlocutory injunction should not be issued.
The case was adjourned to March 10 for further proceedings.
Protests Erupt at National Assembly Over Allegations
Supporters of both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio clashed outside the National Assembly yesterday.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters, including civil society groups, gathered at the assembly entrance, demanding Akpabio’s resignation. They carried placards with messages such as “Akpabio Must Go” and “We Stand with Senator Natasha.”
Tensions escalated when Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived, drawing cheers from her supporters.
In response, United Women for Good Governance, a pro-Akpabio group, staged a counter-protest, calling on Akpoti-Uduaghan to apologize. They carried placards reading “Apologize to the Senate President” and “No to Natasha’s Serial Blackmailing.”
Security operatives intervened with tear gas to disperse Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters, who later regrouped at Unity Fountain to continue their protest.
Fayemi Media Office Denies Link to Sexual Misconduct Allegations
In a related development, the Fayemi Media Office refuted a report by The Cable alleging that Senator Cyril Fasuyi claimed Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi of sexual harassment.
In a statement signed by Ahmad Sajoh, the office clarified that Fasuyi had only referenced past false claims related to the Ajaokuta Steel Company and never linked Fayemi to any sexual misconduct allegations.
The statement emphasized that Fayemi has always maintained high ethical standards in public service and urged journalists to verify facts before publication.
Conclusion
As tensions rise in the Senate over these allegations, both legal and legislative battles continue to unfold. With court proceedings set for March 10, the political landscape remains heated, as supporters on both sides push their narratives.
Stay tuned for further updates.
