Senate Silences Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Akpabio, Dismisses Petition

On March 5, 2025, the Nigerian Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions dismissed a sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The committee declared the petition “dead on arrival,” citing procedural violations.

The controversy began earlier that day when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, submitted a petition accusing Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment, abuse of office, and obstruction of legislative duties. The petition was referred to the Ethics Committee during the plenary session.

However, during the committee’s investigative hearing, Chairman Neda Imasuen (Edo South) ruled the petition inadmissible. He referenced Senate Order 40(4), which stipulates that no senator may present a petition signed by themselves. Imasuen stated, “The petition she presented today is actually dead on arrival… having signed it personally makes it inadmissible before this committee.”

Supporting this stance, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno highlighted that the matter was sub judice, noting that both Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Akpabio’s wife had instituted court cases over the issue. Monguno emphasized that the Senate’s rules prohibit members from presenting personally signed petitions, reinforcing the committee’s decision to dismiss the case.

In response to the allegations, Senate President Akpabio denied any wrongdoing, asserting his respect for women and his upbringing by a single mother. He remarked, “At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised very well by my late single mother, and I have always upheld respect for women.”

The committee’s decision underscores the importance of adhering to procedural rules within legislative processes. By signing and presenting her own petition, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan inadvertently violated Senate protocols, leading to the dismissal of her allegations against the Senate President. This development highlights the challenges of navigating internal legislative procedures and the necessity for members to be thoroughly acquainted with established guidelines when seeking redress or presenting grievances.

As of now, it remains uncertain whether Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will pursue alternative legal avenues or take further action regarding her allegations against Senate President Akpabio.