Chaos in Senate Over Rules on Natasha’s Petition Against Akpabio
The Nigerian Senate plunged into confusion and controversy on Wednesday over a petition by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who accused Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio of sexual harassment. The heated session exposed divisions over Senate procedures, with lawmakers disagreeing on whether the matter should be entertained.
Rising under Order 10 of the Senate Rules, Natasha sought to have her petition officially admitted and referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. However, her request was met with opposition as soon as she presented it. The situation became even more tense after Akpabio, in an earlier remark, categorically denied ever harassing any woman in his life.
Opposing the move, Senator Mohammed Monguno invoked Order 40, arguing that the Senate lacked jurisdiction to deliberate on the petition since the matter had already been taken to court. Monguno stressed that debating the issue would amount to sub judice, as it would interfere with an ongoing legal process.
“Mr. Senate President, distinguished colleagues, you are aware that the wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Unoma Ekaete Akpabio, and her family have instituted a lawsuit against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan following her public allegations on Arise Television last Thursday. Given this development, this chamber is legally barred from discussing the matter,” Monguno asserted.
Adding to the confusion, Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi criticized the manner in which the petition was introduced, emphasizing that Senate rules prohibit a senator from personally filing a petition against the Senate leadership. He pointed out that only constituents have the right to submit such a petition, suggesting that a procedural error had been committed.
“The Senate made an error in admitting the petition. It is strictly the prerogative of constituents to sign and submit petitions, not individual senators,” Opeyemi stated. “It seems Senator Akpabio, in an effort to avoid appearing dictatorial, allowed this mistake to happen.”
In an attempt to restore order, Opeyemi moved that the Senate enter a closed-door session to resolve the dispute. The motion further underscored the deep divisions and procedural uncertainties surrounding the petition, raising questions about the Senate’s ability to address sensitive allegations while upholding its legislative rules.
The unfolding drama highlights the complex interplay between legislative protocol, political dynamics, and the sensitive nature of sexual harassment allegations, making it a defining moment in the Senate’s handling of internal controversies.
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Chaos in Senate Over Rules on Natasha’s Petition Against Akpabio