JUST IN: Senate Dismisses Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sexual Harassment Petition Against Akpabio

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has dismissed a sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

During a probe hearing at the National Assembly on Wednesday, Committee Chairman Senator Neda Imasuen stated that the petition was procedurally invalid due to a breach of Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders. He explained that Akpoti-Uduaghan signed the petition herself instead of having it endorsed by another individual, making it “dead on arrival.”

Imasuen further noted that the issues raised in the petition were already in court, rendering them sub judice and beyond the Senate’s jurisdiction.

Despite the committee’s scheduled session, Akpoti-Uduaghan did not attend the hearing. The session, set for 2 pm, eventually began at 2:58 pm when the chairman arrived after waiting for both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu. While Adaramodu arrived at 2:50 pm, the petitioner remained absent.

More details to follow…..