By Anas Abbas
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, submitted a petition to the Senate alleging sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The submission took place on the Senate floor after Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously discussed the allegations on Arise TV.
Senate President Akpabio allowed the petition to be presented and subsequently directed that it be forwarded to the committee on code of conduct, ethics, and public petitions for further review.
“This petition is hereby referred to the committee on code of conduct, ethics and public petitions, which should revert to the Senate as soon as practicable,” he stated.
However, the move was met with resistance from Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno, who raised objections on the grounds that the issue was already under judicial consideration.
Citing Order 40, Rule 7 of the Senate rules, he argued that the Senate should not engage in matters currently pending in court.In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan clarified that the ongoing court case involved a defamation suit against Patrick Mfon, a special assistant to the Senate President, who had accused her of inappropriate attire in the Senate.
“This matter is not in court regarding my petition. The case in court is solely about defamation,” she asserted.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also opposed the petition’s acceptance, labeling it inadmissible.
“We cannot relax our rules. This petition cannot stand. It is in court. It is defective. There is no way we can accept this petition,” he declared before calling for a closed session.