A petition submitted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central stirred heated debates in the Senate chamber during Wednesday’s plenary.
Although Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Monguno, called for its rejection, arguing that the issue of sexual harassment was already before the court.
However, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan clarified that the court case was on defamation, not harassment, stemming from an aide of the Senate President alleging she was inappropriately dressed during plenary.
Meanwhile, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, backed Monguno, citing Senate Order 40(4), which prohibits petitions written and signed by lawmakers from being accepted.
While Bamidele suggested a closed session to discuss the matter, Senate President Godswill Akpabio insisted plenary should continue, noting the presence of UK parliamentarians in the gallery.
Akpabio denies Allegation
Reacting, Senate President Godswill Akpabio denied allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Speaking publicly on the matter for the first time, Akpabio addressed the Senate on Wednesday as plenary resumed after a week’s recess. “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. I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria,” he stated.
Akpabio acknowledged the widespread public discourse on the allegations, saying he had received numerous calls since February 25. He urged Nigerians, the media, and social media users to refrain from drawing conclusions and instead allow the courts to decide on the matter.
Protesters Storms NASS, Demand Akpabios Resignation
Similarly, Thousands of protesters stormed the National Assembly complex today, demanding the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio over allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The demonstrators, mainly from Kogi Central Senatorial District, carried banners and placards, calling for an independent investigation.
They urged the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions to recuse itself from probing the allegations, arguing that a fair investigation cannot be conducted by a committee appointed by Akpabio.
Some protesters claimed that a court injunction has been obtained to halt the committee’s proceedings, citing concerns over impartiality.
In response, the Senate President dismissed the allegations as mere rumors and urged Nigerians to await the court’s verdict.
Although, security was tightened at the National Assembly complex to manage the protest.
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