By Patrick Idowu
Tension gripped the Senate on Wednesday as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central submitted a sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, sparking heated debate and a rowdy session.
Relying on Order 40 of the Senate rules, Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that her comments on Arise TV regarding alleged harassment by Akpabio were not mere allegations but a formal petition worthy of Senate deliberation.
In response, Akpabio allowed her to proceed with the submission, promptly referring it to the Committee on Code of Conduct, Ethics, and Public Petitions.
However, Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno swiftly objected, arguing that the petition could not be entertained since a related case was already in court.
Quoting Senate rules, he insisted, “The Senate should not receive or deliberate on any matter pending before a court of law.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan fired back, dismissing Monguno’s claim. “This matter is not in court. The case in court is a defamation suit against the Senate President’s aide, not this petition,” she clarified.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele sided with Monguno, declaring the petition “defective” and insisting that Senate rules could not be relaxed.
He then moved for a closed session, leading to a brief uproar before order was restored.
Frustrated by the resistance, Akpoti-Uduaghan staged a dramatic walkout as the Senate resumed its business for the day.
The controversy leaves lingering questions over the Senate’s handling of internal allegations and whether Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims will see the light of day within the chamber.
