By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Nigerian Senate has declined to investigate allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing the lack of a formal petition.
According to Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, the Senate cannot probe the allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagha (PDP, Kogi Central) without a formal complaint.
Adaramodu dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations as a “storm in a teacup” and emphasized that all senators must adhere to Senate rules in their conduct and utterances.
He explained that the Senate, as an institution, does not react to speculations or issues raised on media platforms, but rather conducts its business within the confines of the Senate or House of Representatives.
The controversy surrounding the allegations is linked to a dispute over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had refused to move to a new seat assigned to her, citing concerns that the reassignment was an attempt to silence her.
The Senate spokesman, however, maintained that the reassignment was a procedural matter, citing Order 6 of the Senate rules, which empowers the Senate President to assign seats to senators.
The Senate’s decision not to investigate the allegations has been met with criticism, with some calling for an open investigation to clear the Senate’s name.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki had also urged Akpabio to submit himself to an open investigation, but this call was rejected by the Senate.
