Senate Ethics Committee Dismisses Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sexual Harassment Petition Against Akpabio, Sparks Outrage

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions has dismissed a petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexually harassing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing an ongoing court case.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from the petitioner and his legal team, who allege bias and procedural irregularities. 

The petition, filed by Zubairu Yakubu—a self-described concerned citizen from Kogi Central—also accused Akpabio of abuse of office and obstructing legislative duties.

It was presented by Akpoti-Uduaghan on March 5, shortly before her controversial suspension from the Senate, and later referred to the ethics committee chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen. 

The Hearing
During Tuesday’s hearing, Yakubu, accompanied by lawyer Abiola Akiyode and former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili, refused to proceed unless Akpoti-Uduaghan was allowed to attend.

He accused the committee of bias, citing Chairman Imasuen’s earlier remark that the petition was “dead on arrival.” 

“How can we expect fairness when the chairman has already prejudged the case?” Yakubu questioned.

“One member even publicly admitted being a witness for Akpabio. This process is compromised.” 

Committee’s Decision
After heated exchanges, the committee dismissed the petition, stating the matter was already before a court. Yakubu and his legal team condemned the move as inconsistent, asking why they were summoned if the committee was aware of the court case. 

Akiyode said, “If they dismissed Natasha’s initial petition as ‘dead on arrival,’ why entertain this one only to reject it again? This shows a clear lack of due process.” 

Ezekwesili Clashes with Senator
Tensions flared when Ezekwesili accused the committee of bias, leading to a heated exchange with Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi. After she told him to “shut up,” Nwebonyi retorted, “You can never be a senator. You’re an insult to womanhood.” 

Constitutional Concerns

Speaking to journalists afterward, Ezekwesili accused the Senate of violating the Constitution by prioritizing its internal rules over legal due process. 

“The Senate acts as if its rules supersede the Constitution,” she said. “Akpoti-Uduaghan was denied a fair hearing, and now they’re using procedural tricks to avoid accountability.” 

She called for an independent review of the petition, warning that the Senate’s actions set a dangerous precedent.

“If powerful figures can manipulate processes to silence dissent, our democracy is at risk,” she added. 

The committee has adjourned indefinitely, leaving the petition unresolved amid growing accusations of injustice.

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