Senate Declines Probe into Akpabio Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations by Natasha Akpoti-Uduagha.
The Senate has stated that it cannot investigate the sexual harassment allegations made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagha (PDP, Kogi Central) due to the absence of a formal petition.
During an appearance on ARISE TV on Monday, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, emphasized that the Senate cannot initiate a probe against Akpabio without an official complaint.
Adaramodu clarified that Senator Natasha has not submitted a formal petition to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which is responsible for handling such matters.
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The controversy stems from an interview Senator Natasha granted to Arise Television, where she accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances during a visit to his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on December 8, 2023. She claimed that the Senate President held her hand, guided her around his home, and made sexual overtures while her husband was present.
Additionally, Natasha alleged that Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, had on another occasion suggested that she “make him happy” if she wanted her motions to receive favorable consideration in the Senate.
These allegations surfaced shortly after the Senate unanimously voted to refer Natasha to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary review. This decision followed a disagreement between her and Akpabio over seating arrangements during a plenary session.
In response to the accusations, Akpabio denied the claims through his media consultant, Kenny Okulogbo. His wife, Ekaette Akpabio, also defended him, dismissing the allegations as baseless.
Adaramodu reiterated that the Senate does not act on social media trends or informal accusations. “There must be a formal petition or a matter raised before the Senate before any investigation can take place,” he stated. “Currently, there is no formal matter before the Senate regarding these allegations. The only issue under review is Senator Natasha’s non-compliance with the Senate’s standing orders.”
Addressing the seating arrangement dispute, Adaramodu emphasized that all senators must adhere to the Senate’s rules. He cited Order 6, which grants the Senate President the authority to assign seats and requires lawmakers to speak from their designated positions. Any violation of this rule, he noted, disrupts the chamber’s decorum.
Adaramodu also dismissed claims that the Senate President could intimidate fellow senators by denying them recognition, asserting that all members of the Senate are equal within the chamber.
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