ABUJA, Nigeria — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has resubmitted a sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a day after her initial attempt was dismissed.
The petition, which was rejected by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions on procedural grounds, was reintroduced during the plenary session on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
Unlike the first submission, which she personally signed, the resubmitted petition was filed by her constituents, led by one Zubairu Yakubu.
Petition Referred to Ethics Committee
During the presentation, Senate President Akpabio questioned whether any legal impediments existed regarding the petition’s acceptance. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan responded that there were none.
Following this, Mr Akpabio instructed her to formally lay the petition before the Senate.
It was subsequently referred to the Senate Ethics Committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), with a directive to submit a report within four weeks after legislative review.
Earlier Petition Dismissed
The resubmission follows the controversy surrounding an initial petition presented by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan on Wednesday.
That petition accused the Senate President of sexual harassment but was swiftly challenged by Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North), who cited Senate Standing Order 40 to argue against its consideration.
Mr Monguno contended that the matter was sub judice due to an ongoing court case involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President.
He also argued that a petition personally signed by a senator could not be entertained by the Ethics Committee.
In response, the committee ruled that the petition was procedurally flawed and dismissed it as “dead on arrival.”
A Brewing Senate Showdown?
The reintroduction of the petition signals that the dispute between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate leadership is far from over.
The Ethics Committee’s handling of the matter will now be closely watched, given the tensions that have already arisen over her suspension from the chamber.
With the committee expected to report back in four weeks, the outcome could further deepen the divide within the Senate or reignite controversy over internal accountability and legislative oversight.
