The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has thrown out Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing it as “dead on arrival” due to procedural errors and legal restrictions.
Committee Chairman Senator Neda Imasuen, during a hearing on Wednesday, referenced Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders, stating that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition was invalid because she personally signed it instead of obtaining a third-party endorsement. He further noted that the allegations were already in court, making them sub judice and beyond the Senate’s authority.
Meanwhile, Akpabio has denied the sexual harassment allegations made by the Kogi Central senator.
On February 20, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan rejected her assigned Senate seat and accused Akpabio of harassment. She later filed a ₦100 billion defamation lawsuit against him, leading to the Senate referring her to its disciplinary committee.
In July 2024, Akpabio had previously apologized to Akpoti-Uduaghan over a controversial nightclub remark directed at her.
On March 5, 2025, the Senate Ethics Committee convened to probe Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged non-compliance with Senate rules, but she was absent from the session.
After waiting an hour, Senator Imasuen voiced his disappointment, saying, “We waited, and unfortunately, she is not here. I hope that before we conclude this procedure, she will join us.”
He reiterated that the committee was operating within its mandate, explaining, “Every petition is referred to us by the entire Senate, and the committee has the authority to deliberate on such matters. In this case, the issue was brought before us on February 25 by Senate Spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, nothing more, nothing less.”
Despite her absence, Imasuen expressed hope that Akpoti-Uduaghan would appear before the committee before the conclusion of the proceedings, emphasizing that she had been properly informed of the session.
