•Akpabio and Natasha
Former presidential spokesman, Laolu Akande, on Thursday, raised concern over what he claims are attempts to silence the lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Akpoti-Uduaghan recently accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexually harassing her, a claim the latter has vehemently denied.
Weighing in on the issue during an interview on Channels Television today, Akande urged the Senate to stop what he described as gang up against the lawmaker.
“They need to stop all these images, meetings, and ganging up against this woman. That has to stop. The leadership of the Senate needs to show us that there is going to be a dispassionate consideration of her allegations.
“Once that is sorted, if you think that there is a need to punish her for violating the rules, it is the better way to handle it. This idea of all of the men coming out and brandishing the rules is not looking pretty at all.
“This woman has said to the whole world that she has been sexually harassed. We have to be careful, the Nigerian Senate has to be careful not to create an impression that we are trying to silence her.
“What we have seen so far is a lot of men holding meetings, speaking out, coming to the media to run this woman down. It is a poor reflection on the Nigerian Senate.”
Senate Committee Dismisses Natasha’s Petition
Amid the sexual harassment claims, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment and abuse of office petition against Akpabio, declaring it “dead on arrival”.
The committee yesterday cited procedural violations and legal constraints
During the probe session, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Neda Imasuen, cited Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders, explaining that Akpoti-Uduaghan signed the petition herself rather than having it endorsed by another individual, thereby rendering it procedurally invalid.
Additionally, he noted that the matters raised in the petition were already before the court, making them sub judice and beyond the Senate’s jurisdiction.
On February 20, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, rejected her assigned seat in the red chamber and challenged the Senate President’s order.
The female senator accused the senate president of harassment and slammed a N100bn alleged defamation suit against him while the Akpabio-led upper legislative chamber has referred her to the senate disciplinary committee.
Natasha Shuns Senate Committee
Yesterday, Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan was absent when the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct commenced its probe into her alleged refusal to comply with Senate rules.
After waiting for an hour, Committee Chairman, Senator Neda Imaseun, expressed disappointment over her absence. “We waited, and unfortunately, she is not here. I hope that before we conclude this procedure, she will join us,” the lawmaker said.
He asserted that the committee was acting within its mandate, explaining that “every petition is referred to us by the entire Senate, and the committee has the authority to deliberate on such matters. In this case, the issue was brought before us on February 25 by Senate Spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, nothing more, nothing less.”
Despite her absence, Senator Imaseun reiterated his hope that the Kogi senator would present herself before the committee before the conclusion of proceedings. The chairman said his colleague was properly notified of the meeting.
