Emmanuel OchayiThe Senate has rejected a sexual harassment petition filed against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. The petition, submitted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan during Wednesday’s plenary, led to a heated debate among senators before it was ultimately dismissed.
Senator Natasha Akpoti stood up during the session, read the petition aloud, and submitted it to the Senate President. Akpabio initially accepted the petition, but it was later challenged on procedural grounds.
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Shortly after the petition was submitted, Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Munguno, objected to its consideration. Citing Order 40(4), he argued that the Senate must strictly follow its rules. He warned that any deviation could lead to “chaos and anarchy.”
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Munguno emphasised that matters before a court of law should not be discussed in the upper chamber, as they would be considered sub judice. He also pointed out that Senate rules prohibit a senator from personally signing a petition they submit. Since Senator Natasha Akpoti had signed her own petition, Munguno argued that it was invalid.
Natasha Akpoti Challenges House Decision
Senator Natasha Akpoti disagreed with Munguno’s argument, stating that her case in court was not related to sexual harassment but to alleged defamatory comments about her dressing. She invoked Order 10, which allows a senator to rise and speak at any time.
Despite being asked to halt her speech, she insisted that her petition should be accepted and treated fairly. However, her attempt to push forward was met with resistance from other senators.
Senate Leader Stresses Importance of Senate Rules
Amid the disagreement, former Senate Leader, Abdullahi Adamu, proposed that the petition should be referred to the Committee on Ethics for review. He argued that once the matter reached the committee, the chairman would ensure that all rules were followed.
However, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele reinforced the argument that no senator should sign their own petition. He also pointed out that the Senate President’s wife had already taken legal action on the matter, further justifying why the house could not deliberate on it.
Bamidele stated, “Mr. President, I sympathise with you as a man being accused of sexual harassment. We are guided by three things: The Constitution, the Rule Book, and… Mr. President, we are not guided by emotions. You were being emotional, that was why you took that petition. We must be guided by our Rule Book.”
Akpabio Defends His Decision
In response to Bamidele’s remarks, Akpabio explained why he initially accepted the petition. He said he did not want the public to think he was trying to silence Senator Natasha Akpoti because he was directly involved in the matter.
“I took that petition because I didn’t want the people who do not understand our rule in the house to think that I am deliberately silencing her because I am involved,” Akpabio stated.
Senate Stands Firm on Rejection
As tensions continued to rise, Leaders of the house called for a closed-door session to resolve the issue. However, the Senate President ruled that the plenary should continue.
After a lengthy debate, the house upheld the argument presented by the house Leader, rejecting the petition on procedural grounds. With this decision, the matter will not proceed further in the Senate.
The rejection of the petition has sparked discussions about procedures and the handling of sensitive accusations within the legislative body.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
