The Senate has stated that it cannot investigate the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing the absence of a formal petition.
Speaking on ARISE TV on Monday, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), downplayed the allegations, describing them as a “storm in a teacup.” He emphasized that all senators, including Akpoti-Uduaghan, must adhere to Senate rules in their conduct and utterances.
Adaramodu clarified that the Senate does not act based on media reports or social media trends but operates within established parliamentary procedures. “There must be a formal petition or a matter raised before the Senate before any investigation can take place,” he stated. “The only issue currently before the Senate is Senator Natasha’s non-compliance with standing orders.”
The controversy stemmed from a dispute over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber. Adaramodu cited Order 6 of the Senate rules, which grants the Senate President authority to assign seats to senators. He maintained that all lawmakers are expected to speak from their designated seats and that any breach of this rule disrupts order in the chamber.
Addressing claims that Akpabio intimidates senators by denying them recognition, Adaramodu dismissed the notion, asserting that the Senate President is “one among equals” and that any senator who follows due process will be acknowledged.
The Senate also rejected calls from former Senate President Bukola Saraki for Akpabio to submit to an open investigation to clear his name. Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has been summoned to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions over her conduct during last week’s plenary session.
