The Senate has dismissed any possibility of looking into the claims made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan because no formal petition has been submitted. Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio’s media adviser, mentioned in a TVC News interview that Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has not officially lodged a complaint with the National Assembly regarding her allegations of sexual harassment.
See also: Scandal in the Senate: Akpoti-Uduaghan vs. Akpabio – Wife opens up
On Friday, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances toward her both at his residence in Akwa Ibom and in his office. These allegations have sparked considerable public outcry, including legal action initiated by Ekaette Akpabio, the Senate President’s wife, who has filed a lawsuit against Akpoti-Uduaghan over her statements.
The situation has prompted demands for an investigation, with some drawing parallels to previous instances where the Senate conducted inquiries into allegations against its leadership. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki suggested that the current Senate could learn from the approach taken during his time when he confronted allegations associated with an official vehicle. Saraki’s own situation led to a Senate investigation at that time.
However, Eyiboh rejected Saraki’s suggestion, claiming that the situations are inherently different. He stressed that, in the absence of a formal complaint, the Senate cannot initiate an investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims. Eyiboh commented, “There is no petition, either to the police, court, or Senate, regarding sexual harassment. It is simply an individual exercising the right to public expression, which is freedom of speech.”
He also pointed out that making a public allegation does not automatically necessitate institutional action, questioning why the Senate would establish a panel without a formal complaint. Eyiboh stated, “There is no petition available. There is no complainant. So how can the Senate as an institution create a panel from nothing?”
In related news, Emmanuel Uduaghan, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s husband and Alema of Warri Kingdom in Delta State, shared his thoughts on the allegations. He mentioned that his wife had informed him of the matter and expressed that he had approached the Senate President respectfully, urging him to show the same respect toward his wife.
