Concerns continue to mount over Senator Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, as pressure increases for an investigation into the matter.
However, the Senate has stated that no formal petition has been submitted, delaying any potential probe.
Senate spokesman Adeyemi Adaramodu addressed the issue, explaining that there is no complaint before the Red Chamber. “There is no allegation before the Senate.
There is none from anybody for that matter. So, we don’t pick allegations on television screens or from social media,” he said.
He further clarified that the only matter being reviewed is a breach of Senate Standing Orders, which has been referred to the Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions Committee.
The allegations surfaced when Apoti-Uduaghan claimed during a televised interview that she was being victimized by Akpabio for rejecting his alleged sexual advances.
The accusations have sparked widespread reactions, with the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) joining the call for a transparent and independent investigation.
In response, Akpabio’s wife, Nnoma, has filed a N250 billion defamation lawsuit against Apoti-Uduaghan, dismissing the claims as baseless.
Meanwhile, the Senate President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, reiterated that the Senate cannot act on claims that have not been officially submitted.
“There is nowhere in her statement of claims that the issue of sexual harassment is mentioned,” he said.
Moreover, Eyiboh emphasized that Apoti-Uduaghan has never raised the matter on the Senate floor.
“There has never been any time she has brought this to the attention of the Senate on points of privilege that she has been sexually harassed,” he added.
Despite the Senate’s stance, the ACF insists that an investigation is necessary.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the group urged the Northern Caucus in the Senate to support Apoti-Uduaghan in seeking justice.
“An independent, open, transparent, and thorough investigation, devoid of fear, favor, or interference of any kind, should be conducted,” the ACF stated.
The forum also criticized the handling of the matter by the 10th Senate, stressing the importance of ethical leadership.
“The National Assembly must display exemplary behavior, edifying comportment, personal discipline, and be above board in matters of ethics, decorum, moral rectitude, and integrity,” the statement added.
However, the growing calls for accountability continue to place pressure on the Senate to address the issue.
