Emmanuel OchayiEseme Eyiboh, media adviser to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has said the Senate has no grounds to investigate allegations made by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Speaking in an interview on TVC News on Sunday, Eyiboh stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, has not formally submitted any petition to the National Assembly regarding the alleged sexual harassment by Akpabio.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe further clarified that the claim was not included in any legal documents filed by the Kogi senator against the Senate President.
READ ALSO: Sexual Harassment: Why Akpabio May Be Guilty Of Natasha’s Allegations
Natasha Akpoti’s Allegation and Public Reactions
On Friday, Natasha Akpoti accused Akpabio of making unwanted advances toward her, both in his office and at his residence in Akwa Ibom. The allegation has generated widespread reactions, leading to a lawsuit against her by Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President.
Despite the controversy, Eyiboh insisted there was no official complaint, either to the police, the courts, or the Senate itself, that could warrant an investigation.
“There is no petition, either to the police, court, or Senate regarding sexual harassment. It is just somebody exercising the right to public communication, that is, freedom of expression,” he said.
Saraki’s Advice Not Relevant – Eyiboh
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki also commented on the issue, urging the leadership of the 10th Senate to maintain the institution’s integrity by handling the matter transparently. He referenced his tenure, when he was accused of importing an official vehicle without customs clearance, stating that he had submitted himself to scrutiny.
However, Eyiboh dismissed Saraki’s position, arguing that the two cases were entirely different.
“What Bukola Saraki said has no place for contemplation at this level,” he said. “It is a different thing that happened to Senator Saraki during his time on the car issue. In this case, there is no petition anywhere. There is no petition on sexual harassment.”
Senate Won’t Act Without a Complaint
Eyiboh made it clear that the Senate cannot form an investigative panel in the absence of a formal complaint from Natasha Akpoti or any other complainant.
“So from where will the Senate, as an institution, set up a panel? Who is the complainant? There is no complainant,” he emphasized.
He also compared the situation to a random person making an allegation in a public space.
“She went to a public television platform. Another person could have gone to Wuse Market to lay an allegation. And you are asking the institution to investigate,” Eyiboh stated.
No Official Action Expected From Senate
With no formal petition or legal complaint, it remains unlikely that the Senate will take any action regarding Natasha Akpoti’s claims. The controversy, however, continues to generate discussions, with various individuals and groups expressing different opinions on the matter.
Meanwhile, the lawsuit filed by Ekaette Akpabio against Natasha Akpoti adds another dimension to the situation, raising further legal and political questions.
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.
