The Nigerian Senate descended into chaos on Wednesday following Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s filing of a petition alleging sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio. Invoking Order 10 of the Senate Rules, Natasha ensured her petition was admitted and referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions shortly after the Senate President had declared he had never harassed any woman during his address.
Senator Mohammed Monguno, citing Order 40, argued that the Senate lacks jurisdiction over the matter because it is already under judicial review. He emphasized that any Senate debate on the issue would be subjudice, potentially interfering with court proceedings. Monguno pointed out that Senate President Akpabio’s wife, Mrs. Unoma Ekaete Akpabio, and her family had initiated legal action against Senator Natasha following her appearance on Arise Television last Thursday.
Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi expressed sympathy for the Senate President. He contended that the rules do not allow a senator to personally sign a petition against Senate leadership, noting that only constituents should submit such petitions. Opeyemi described the admission of the petition as an error and called for the chamber to move into a closed-door session to address the issue.
