KEY POINTS

• The Senate dismissed a sexual harassment petition against Akpabio, citing procedural violations.
• Senate Leader and Chief Whip argued the petition was invalid and sub judice.
• Akpabio said he accepted the petition to avoid public misconceptions.

A petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio was rejected during a contentious Senate session on Wednesday.

Akpoti submitted the petition, which accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, but the Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Munguno, immediately objected, citing procedural violations.

Munguno referred to Senate Order 40(4), warning that allowing improper petitions could set a precedent for disorder. He emphasized that Senate rules prohibit members from submitting petitions they personally signed, making Akpoti’s submission invalid.

Despite the objections, Akpoti defended her petition, insisting it was not related to a pending court case but rather focused on malicious comments about her dressing.

She invoked Order 10, which allows senators to speak freely during plenary, but was repeatedly interrupted.

Legal concerns and Senate procedures take center stage

Amid rising tensions, Senate Leader Abdullahi Adamu suggested that the petition be referred to the Ethics Committee for proper review, noting that Senate rules must be followed in addressing internal disputes.

His comments led to further debate, with multiple senators raising points of order and questioning whether the petition should be entertained.

The Senate Leader further argued that a case related to the issue was already before a court, and Akpabio’s wife had taken legal action regarding comments made about Akpoti.

According to Business Day he insisted that the Senate must not deliberate on a matter pending before the judiciary to maintain its integrity.

Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also weighed in, stressing that the Senate is governed by the Constitution and procedural rules, not emotions.

He criticized Akpoti for attempting to submit the petition despite knowing it was procedurally flawed.

Senate President defends his decision before rejection

Responding to criticisms, Senate President Akpabio explained why he initially accepted the petition, stating that he wanted to avoid the perception of silencing Akpoti because of his involvement.

He noted that members of the public might misunderstand Senate procedures and believe he was trying to suppress her allegations.

However, after further deliberations, the Senate ultimately rejected the petition, siding with the argument that Akpoti’s self-signed submission violated parliamentary procedures.