The Nigerian Senate was thrown into confusion on Wednesday over Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in which she accused him of sexual harassment.
Rising on Order 10 of the Senate Rules, Senator Natasha sought to have her petition admitted and referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. This came after Akpabio, in his earlier address, had categorically denied ever harassing any woman.
However, the proceedings took a dramatic turn when Senator Mohammed Monguno, citing Order 40, argued that the Senate lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter, as it was already before a court. According to him, debating the allegation in the chamber would be sub judice and a violation of legal proceedings.
“Mr. Senate President, distinguished colleagues, you are aware that the wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Unoma Ekaete Akpabio, and her family have taken Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to court following her appearance on Arise Television last week. This means this hallowed chamber cannot deliberate on the same matter,” Monguno stated.
Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele also weighed in, expressing concerns over the procedural handling of the petition. He noted that Senate Rules do not permit a senator to personally sign and submit a petition against the Senate leadership, arguing that only constituents could do so.
“The Senate erred in admitting the petition. It appears Akpabio allowed it to proceed to avoid the perception of silencing a fellow senator, but in doing so, a procedural mistake was made,” Bamidele remarked. He then moved for a closed-door session to deliberate on the issue further.
The chaotic session underscores the deepening controversy surrounding the allegation and the procedural debate over the Senate’s authority in such matters.
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