The Nigerian Senate descended into confusion and chaos on Wednesday following Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The drama unfolded as Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, rose under Order 10 of the Senate Rules to present a petition against Akpabio, seeking its referral to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
The petition was submitted shortly after Akpabio, in his opening address, vehemently denied the allegations, stating, “I have never harassed any woman in my life.” However, the proceedings took a contentious turn when Senator Mohammed Monguno, citing Order 40, argued that the Senate lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter as it had already been taken to court.
Monguno emphasized that the issue was sub judice (under judicial consideration) and that any attempt to debate it would undermine the court’s authority. He stated, “The power to debate on the allegation of sexual harassment against Senator Godswill Akpabio has been taken away. This hallowed chamber cannot debate on the same matter as the chamber has been stopped.”
He further revealed that the wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Unoma Ekaete Akpabio, and her family had filed a lawsuit against Akpoti-Uduaghan following her appearance on Arise Television last week, where she made the allegations.
Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi expressed sympathy for Akpabio, acknowledging that the Senate President had allowed the petition to be referred to the committee despite procedural irregularities. Opeyemi pointed out that Senate rules do not permit a senator to personally sign a petition against the Senate leadership, noting that such petitions must come from constituents.
“The Senate erred in admitting the petition, as it is only the constituents that could have signed and forwarded it. It appeared Akpabio didn’t want the matter to look as if he was disallowing somebody from expressing her rights and hence allowed the error to be committed,” Opeyemi said. He then moved for the chamber to go into a closed-door session to address the matter privately.
The chaotic session highlighted the deepening tensions within the Senate, as lawmakers grappled with the procedural and legal complexities of the allegations. The situation remains unresolved, with stakeholders awaiting further developments as the Senate navigates the sensitive issue. More updates to follow…