FCT, Abuja – The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has dismissed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, labeling it “dead on arrival.”
The petition, which alleged sexual harassment and abuse of office, was filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan following a contentious altercation with Akpabio.
**Committee cites procedural violations and legal constraints**
During the probe session on Wednesday, the Committee Chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, highlighted significant procedural issues. Imasuen referred to Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders, noting that Akpoti-Uduaghan had signed the petition herself, instead of having it endorsed by another individual, which invalidated it from a procedural standpoint.
“This petition does not meet the necessary procedural requirements. According to the Senate Standing Orders, petitions must be endorsed by an individual other than the person filing it. Therefore, this petition is not valid,” said Imasuen.
**Petition deemed sub judice**
In addition to procedural issues, the committee also noted that the matters raised in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition were already before the court, making them sub judice—an issue the Senate cannot address due to legal constraints.
Senator Imasuen explained, “The petition raised issues that are already in the courts, and as such, we cannot entertain them here. The matter is sub judice and falls beyond the Senate’s jurisdiction.”
**Akpoti-Uduaghan’s response to the committee’s decision**
In response to the committee’s decision, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed disappointment, stating that the legal process was being undermined. “While I respect the Senate’s decision, I remain committed to pursuing justice for the alleged harassment I faced. I will continue to explore other legal options to address this matter,” she said in a brief statement.
**Legal implications of the dismissal**
The dismissal of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition has raised concerns regarding the Senate’s handling of internal issues and the potential implications for future petitions. Political observers believe this move could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, particularly in situations involving high-ranking officials.
As the Senate continues its internal review processes, many are questioning the long-term impact this decision could have on public trust and the Senate’s commitment to addressing issues of harassment and misconduct.
