By Bashir Aliyu
The Nigerian Senate, during its plenary session on Wednesday, dismissed a petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The petition alleged sexual harassment, sparking a heated debate on the Senate floor.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan raised the issue under Order 10, which pertains to the privileges of a senator. In response, Akpabio, seemingly cautious about appearing biased, accepted the petition and referred it to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions. The committee was tasked with reporting back to the Senate “as soon as practicable.”
However, the petition faced immediate pushback. Senate Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno invoked Order 40 (4) and (7), which prohibit senators from presenting petitions signed by themselves and bar the Senate from entertaining matters already before a court of law.
Several senators, including Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North), criticized the petition, labeling it as “incompetent.” Senator Fasuyi referenced a prior incident where Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi of sexual harassment without providing evidence. He further emphasized his point by quoting Psalm 34:19: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”
Despite Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s efforts to rely on Order 10 to assert her privileges, the Senate ultimately rejected the petition.
Akpabio Denies Allegations, Calls for Patience
Earlier in the session, Senate President Akpabio vehemently denied the allegations, describing them as “a total lie.” He addressed the claims, which he said were circulating on social media and television, stating, “At no time did I ever attempt any sexual harassment.”
Akpabio reflected on his upbringing, crediting his late mother for instilling in him a deep respect for women. “I and my siblings were raised by my late single mother, who passed away in the year 2000, through very difficult times. I therefore have the highest regard for women. I also have beautiful daughters. At no time will I ever harass any woman, and I’ve never done so,” he asserted.
He also highlighted his track record as a gender-friendly leader, recalling awards he received during his tenure as a state governor, including one for being the “most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria.”
Akpabio urged Nigerians, the media, and social media users to refrain from jumping to conclusions and await the court’s decision. He expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their support and solidarity, concluding, “There is no cause for anxiety. The Almighty God will step in to vindicate the just.”
