The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions has dismissed a petition by Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. The panel ruled that it could not entertain the matter since it was already before a court.
The petition, signed by a self-identified concerned citizen, Zubairu Yakubu, alleged that Mr. Akpabio engaged in sexual harassment, abuse of office, and obstruction of legislative duties. It was initially presented by Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan on March 5, just minutes before her controversial suspension from the Senate.
Heated Hearing and Dismissal
During Tuesday’s hearing, Mr. Yakubu, accompanied by his legal counsel, Abiola Akiyode, and former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, declined to proceed without Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s presence. He accused the committee chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, of bias, citing past public remarks in which Mr. Imasuen reportedly declared the petition “dead on arrival.”
“If the chairman has already dismissed the petition before hearing it, how can we expect fairness?” Mr. Yakubu questioned.
Following intense exchanges between the committee and the petitioner, the panel dismissed the case, citing its ongoing litigation. This decision sparked further controversy, with Mr. Yakubu criticizing the Senate’s inconsistency.
“If they knew the matter was in court, why invite me in the first place? This confirms their bias and disregard for due process,” he argued.
His counsel, Mrs. Akiyode, echoed his concerns, highlighting contradictions in the Senate’s handling of the petition.
Ezekwesili and Senator Nwebonyi Clash
Before adjourning, the session took a dramatic turn when Mrs. Ezekwesili accused the committee of bias. Her remarks provoked a heated exchange with Ebonyi North Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi.
When Mr. Nwebonyi objected to her statements, Mrs. Ezekwesili told him to “shut up,” prompting a furious response.
“Why should you talk to a senator like that? You can never be a senator. You are an insult to womanhood,” Mr. Nwebonyi retorted.
Calls for an Independent Review
Speaking to journalists after the adjournment, Mrs. Ezekwesili condemned the Senate’s handling of the case, accusing it of prioritizing internal rules over constitutional principles.
“The Nigerian Senate keeps telling citizens they are subject to Senate rules, even when those rules violate the Constitution. This is unacceptable in a democracy,” she said.
She argued that Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan had been denied a fair hearing, insisting that an independent panel should review the case.
“If a petitioner does not believe the Senate committee can provide a fair hearing due to clear bias, an independent body should review the matter.”
Warning of a dangerous precedent, Mrs. Ezekwesili urged the Senate to uphold constitutional rights and avoid using procedural loopholes to suppress justice.
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