The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has dismissed a sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
During the investigative hearing at the National Assembly on Wednesday, the Committee Chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, ruled the petition “dead on arrival,” citing a breach of Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders.
Imasuen emphasized the need for strict adherence to Senate rules, warning that any deviation could lead to “chaos and anarchy.” He further stressed that matters pending before a court of law could not be debated in the Senate as they were considered sub judice.
Earlier, Akpabio denied the allegations, describing them as baseless. The petition stemmed from a heated exchange between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio over her assigned seat in the red chamber.
Despite the committee’s invitation, Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to appear before the panel, while the Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, was present. The session, scheduled for 2 pm, commenced at 2:58 pm in her absence.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the integrity of Senate procedures while urging members to respect the institution’s standing rules.
